Stretching for Prevention of Achilles Tendon Injuries: A Review of the Literature

@article{Park2006StretchingFP,
  title={Stretching for Prevention of Achilles Tendon Injuries: A Review of the Literature},
  author={Don-Young Park and Loretta B. Chou},
  journal={Foot \& Ankle International},
  year={2006},
  volume={27},
  pages={1086 - 1095}
}
Professional and recreational athletes commonly perform preexercise stretching to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Little definitive evidence exists that clearly demonstrates the efficacy of stretching in reducing injury. Achilles tendon injuries are among the most common injuries affecting active individuals in the United States today. Clinicians commonly recommend stretching the Achilles tendon without concrete scientific evidence to support such a claim. Few studies have addressed the… 
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31 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
2
Background Citations
8

31 Citations

Influence of Stretching and Warm-Up on Achilles Tendon Material Properties

TLDR
Stretching or warm-up alone, and combined did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in stretch, stiffness, and strain between pre-stretching, and post-warm-up interventions.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

TLDR
Regular physical activity as athletes age also promotes tendon hypertrophy, increases nutrient delivery, and reduces collagen fiber fatigue, which improves the ability to withstand stress.

Temporary tendon strengthening by preconditioning.

Disorders of the Achilles tendon

TLDR
This review will update orthopedic surgeons on the advances in both clinical and basic science research on Achilles tendon disorders to help guide and improve future treatment and perhaps evolve the practice of operative techniques and traditional methods of rehabilitation.

Prophylactic Training in Asymptomatic Soccer Players with Ultrasonographic Abnormalities in Achilles and Patellar Tendons

TLDR
This study demonstrates that with the use of ultrasonography, tendon changes in soccer players can be diagnosed before they become symptomatic and prophylactic eccentric training and stretching has no positive effects on the risk of injury.

WHY ARE ECCENTRIC EXERCISES EFFECTIVE FOR ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY?

TLDR
Previous theories regarding the mechanisms by which eccentric exercise might affect Achilles tendinopathy are reviewed and a novel mechanism by which the plantarflexor muscles may shield the Achilles tendon is offered.

EFFECT OF CYCLIC PRECONDITIONING ON THE FAILURE LOAD, STRENGTH, AND STIFFNESS OF MULTIPLE RAT TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS

TLDR
The results suggest that optimal preconditioning exists, but depends on the specific ligament or tendon, and different strategies may be needed for different ligament and tendon structures in order to gain maximal protection from injuries.

A biomechanical approach to Achilles tendinopathy management

TLDR
This thesis reports a mixed methods approach to analyse risk factors for AT development, multiple novel findings related to risk factors, the mechanism by which eccentric exercise may work, the effect of AT on plantarflexor function and how rehabilitation affects these deficits.

The Impact of Post Activation Potentiation on Achilles Tendon Stiffness, Elasticity and Thickness among Basketball Players

TLDR
Examination of the effects of post activation potentiation on Achilles tendon (AT) thickness, elasticity and stiffness among basketball players found stiffness increased significantly from the baseline post exercise, while AT thickness and elasticity decreased after the physical effort.

Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: achilles tendinitis.

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association presents this sixth set of clinical practice guidelines on Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits that are…

References

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TLDR
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TLDR
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TLDR
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