Article
Biology
Masatoshi Nakamura, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, Andreas Konrad
Summary: The study compared the effects of static stretching and hold-relax stretching on ROM and muscle stiffness in older adults, showing that both methods increased ROM, with static stretching also decreasing muscle stiffness. Therefore, both hold-relax stretching and static stretching are recommended for older adults to improve ROM, with static stretching particularly helpful in reducing muscle stiffness.
Article
Physiology
Masatoshi Nakamura, Kaoru Yahata, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, Joao Pedro Nunes, Andreas Konrad
Summary: A high-volume stretching intervention program over 5 weeks showed significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and muscle stiffness, but these training effects were diminished after a 5-week detraining period.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruchi Shah, Marina W. Samuel, Jongsang Son
Summary: This review provides an overview of the recent research on the acute and chronic effects of static stretching on joint behaviors and neuromuscular responses. The findings suggest that static stretching can increase joint range of motion and reduce muscle and tendon properties.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kosuke Takeuchi, Kazunori Akizuki, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: The study found a significant association between static stretching load and changes in hamstring flexibility, with high-intensity static stretching proving effective in improving knee extension ROM and muscle-tendon unit stiffness.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Masatoshi Nakamura, Kosuke Takeuchi, Taizan Fukaya, Gakuto Nakao, Andreas Konrad, Takamasa Mizuno
Summary: Static stretching can decrease the passive stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and/or muscles in older adults. The effects of static stretching on stiffness are comparable between older and young adults.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2024)
Review
Sport Sciences
Ioli Panidi, Olyvia Donti, Andreas Konrad, Petros C. Dinas, Gerasimos Terzis, Athanasios Mouratidis, Vasiliki Gaspari, Anastasia Donti, Gregory C. Bogdanis
Summary: Static stretching training increases fascicle length at rest and during stretching in healthy participants. High stretching volumes and intensities induce longitudinal fascicle growth, while high stretching intensities result in increased muscle thickness.
SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Masatoshi Nakamura, Riku Yoshida, Shigeru Sato, Kaoru Yahata, Yuta Murakami, Kazuki Kasahara, Taizan Fukaya, Kosuke Takeuchi, Joao Pedro Nunes, Andreas Konrad
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of unilateral stretching intervention programs with two different intensities on range of motion, muscle stiffness, and muscle architecture. The results showed that high-intensity static stretching significantly increased the range of motion of the non-trained limb, while low-intensity static stretching had no significant effect. However, there were no significant changes in muscle stiffness and muscle architecture in both groups.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Akira Saito, Takamasa Mizuno
Summary: Static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques can improve range of motion through modulation of neural mechanisms. However, the effects of these neural pathway changes on range of motion with static stretching are still unclear.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shinya Nakamura, Minoru Kimoto, Kyoji Okada, Uki Kawanobe, Hitoshi Sakamoto
Summary: The stiffness of the soleus and flexor hallucis longus muscles significantly affect the dorsiflexion range of motion in children with cerebral palsy, particularly in hip and knee flexion positions. Additionally, the stiffness of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle plays a significant role in limiting dorsiflexion range with both joints in full extension.
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuanchun Zhu, Yanan Feng, Fangchao Huang, Yapeng Li, Wenjing Wang, Xueqiang Wang, Xiangyang Cao, Zhijie Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the acute and prolonged effects of static stretching on the stiffness of specific regions of the knee extensor mechanism and knee flexion range of motion. The results demonstrated that static stretching intervention can increase knee flexion range of motion and temporarily reduce stiffness of specific regions of the knee extensor mechanism.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mathew William Hill, Matthew Roberts, Michael James Price, Anthony David Kay
Summary: The study found associations between muscle thickness and echo intensity of the knee extensors and ankle plantarflexors with postural sway, mobility, and physical function in older adults. Ankle plantarflexor echo intensity, but not thickness, was associated with anteroposterior postural sway, and muscle thickness and echo intensity of the knee extensors and ankle plantarflexors had similar associations with TUG and STS performance in older adults.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Marie M. Moltubakk, Fabienne O. Villars, Melina M. Magulas, Stig P. Magnusson, Olivier R. Seynnes, Jens Bojsen-Moller
Summary: The study found that habitual stretching can increase joint range of motion, decrease passive torque, and alter muscle-tendon behavior with the potential to modify contractile function.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Kosuke Takeuchi, Masahiro Takemura, Masatoshi Nakamura, Fumiko Tsukuda, Shumpei Miyakawa
Summary: The study found that an active warm-up with aerobic exercise can increase flexibility and strength of the calf muscles, while other warm-up methods did not show significant changes.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Kaoru Yahata, Andreas Konrad, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, Joao Pedro Nunes, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: A high-volume SS programme positively affected muscle strength but did not lead to hypertrophy of the plantar-flexor muscles. The low strain offered by SS sets seems insufficient to induce architectural changes in skeletal muscle, even with a high volume.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kirsten Veerkamp, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Jaap Harlaar, Thomas D. O'Brien, Barbara Kalkman, Ajay Seth, Lynn Bar-On
Summary: Personalized estimation of musculotendon parameters can improve the accuracy of simulating muscle mechanics in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children (TD). Compared to TD children, children with CP have significantly longer tendon slack lengths and shorter optimal fiber lengths. In addition, both groups show significantly higher personalized tendon compliance.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Ryosuke Kiyono, Remi Onuma, Koki Yasaka, Shigeru Sato, Kaoru Yahata, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a 5-week foam rolling intervention on range of motion (ROM) and muscle stiffness. The results showed a significant increase in dorsiflexion ROM after foam rolling intervention, but no changes in passive torque and muscle stiffness. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the change in dorsiflexion ROM and the change in passive torque. These findings suggest that foam rolling is an effective method for increasing ROM without affecting muscle stiffness.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Kosuke Takeuchi, Masahiro Takemura, Masatoshi Nakamura, Fumiko Tsukuda, Shumpei Miyakawa
Summary: The study found that regardless of the order of static stretching and aerobic exercise, range of motion and stretch tolerance increased, while muscle tendon unit stiffness decreased. Aerobic exercise after static stretching led to increased peak torque and amplitude of electromyography.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Miho Yoshimura, Tatsuya Hojo, Hayato Yamamoto, Misato Tachibana, Masatoshi Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Fukuoka
Summary: This study investigated the acute effects of cold-water immersion with higher CO2 concentration on subjects' sublingual temperature, blood lactate, heart rate, and aerobic cycling work efficiency. The results showed that CO2 immersion improved work efficiency and reduced blood lactate and heart rate.
RESEARCH IN SPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Masatoshi Nakamura, Andreas Konrad, Kazuki Kasahara, Riku Yoshida, Yuta Murakami, Shigeru Sato, Kodai Aizawa, Ryoma Koizumi, Jan Wilke
Summary: This study compared the effects of static stretching (SS) and foam rolling (FR) performed in different orders on tissue properties, pain sensitivity, and motor function. The results suggest that SS should be followed by FR when aiming to increase range of motion and reduce tissue hardness without affecting muscle strength.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Haruna Matsushita, Momoko Nagai-Tanima, Tomoki Aoyama, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study compared the effects of deep thermotherapy and superficial thermotherapy on autonomic nervous system activity. The results showed that parasympathetic activity was enhanced under deep thermotherapy, and there was a psychological relaxation effect under both conditions.
ELECTROMAGNETIC BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Shigeru Sato, Riku Yoshida, Fu Murakoshi, Yuto Sasaki, Kaoru Yahata, Kazuki Kasahara, Joao Pedro Nunes, Kazunori Nosaka, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study compared the effects of different training methods on muscle strength and hypertrophy of the elbow flexors. The results showed that eccentric training and concentric-eccentric coupled training had similar effects on muscle strength and thickness, while concentric training contributed less to the training effects.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Andreas Konrad, Masatoshi Nakamura, David George Behm
Summary: Foam rolling is a popular technique for increasing range of motion, however, the overall evidence suggests that it has trivial performance benefits. A systematic meta-analysis found no significant performance changes with foam rolling training exceeding two weeks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Riku Yoshida, Kazuki Kasahara, Yuta Murakami, Shigeru Sato, Kazunori Nosaka, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study compared the fatigue profiles of the biceps brachii muscle during repetitive maximal concentric and eccentric contractions, and found that the muscle had greater fatigue resistance during eccentric contractions compared to concentric contractions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Sport Sciences
Kosuke Takeuchi, Masatoshi Nakamura, Andreas Konrad, Takamasa Mizuno
Summary: Static stretching training has been found to decrease muscle stiffness, but there is no significant relationship between total stretching duration and muscle stiffness.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Andreas Konrad, Kazuki Kasahara, Riku Yoshida, Yuta Murakami, Ryoma Koizumi, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the repeated application of PPT tests in different muscles. The results showed a significant increase in PPT in the elbow flexors and knee extensors, starting from the eighth and ninth assessments, respectively. However, there was no significant change in the ankle plantar flexor muscles. Based on these findings, it is recommended to perform between two and seven PPT assessments to avoid overestimation.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Masatoshi Nakamura, Kosuke Takeuchi, Taizan Fukaya, Gakuto Nakao, Andreas Konrad, Takamasa Mizuno
Summary: Static stretching can decrease the passive stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and/or muscles in older adults. The effects of static stretching on stiffness are comparable between older and young adults.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2024)
Article
Physiology
Riku Yoshida, Kazuki Kasahara, Yuta Murakami, Shigeru Sato, Midori Tanaka, Kazunori Nosaka, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether muscle strength would still increase when the frequency of 3-s maximal eccentric contraction training was reduced to 2 or 3 days per week. The results suggest that at least three days per week of training are necessary for increasing muscle strength, and more frequent sessions in a week (e.g., 5 days) appear to induce greater increases in muscle strength.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Yuta Murakami, Satoru Nishida, Riku Yoshida, Kazuki Kasahara, Akira Kumazaki, Hirokazu Sakuma, Hirosi Fujimoto, Yuki Kaneko, Otoka Abe, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study examined the relationship between Nordic hamstring strength and single leg bridge test scores in university soccer players and found no significant correlation between the two. Nordic hamstring strength and single leg bridge test scores may represent different aspects of muscle strength and endurance.
JOURNAL OF SPORT REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Riku Yoshida, Masatoshi Nakamura, Ryo Ikegami
Summary: This study investigated the preventive effects of heat or cold therapy after repeated eccentric contraction on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The results showed that heat or cold therapy within 30 minutes after intense exercise is insufficient to prevent DOMS.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Konstantin Warneke, Andreas Konrad, Michael Keiner, Astrid Zech, Masatoshi Nakamura, Martin Hillebrecht, David G. Behm
Summary: The study demonstrates that daily 10-minute stretching can counteract decreases in physical performance due to inactivity, showing positive effects on young and healthy participants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Nathan D. Camarillo, Rafael Jimenez-Silva, Frances T. Sheehan
Summary: This article discusses the statistical dependence between multiple measurements from the same participant and provides recommendations for using these measurements when they are not independent.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
J. Huet, A. -S. Boureau, A. Sarcher, C. Cornu, A. Nordez
Summary: Standard compression in freehand 3D ultrasound induces a bias in volume calculations, but minimal compression and gel pad methods have similar results. With a trained examiner and precautions, the bias can be minimized and become acceptable in clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
C. Lariviere, A. H. Eskandari, H. Mecheri, F. Ghezelbash, D. Gagnon, A. Shirazi-Adl
Summary: Recent developments in musculoskeletal modeling have focused on model customization. Personalization of the spine profile may affect estimates of spinal loading and stability. This study investigates the biomechanical consequences of changes in the spinal profile and finds that personalizing the spine profile has medium to large effects on trunk muscle forces and negligible to small effects on spinal loading and stability.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Luke T. Mattar, Arash B. Mahboobin, Adam J. Popchak, William J. Anderst, Volker Musahl, James J. Irrgang, Richard E. Debski
Summary: Exercise therapy fails in about 25.0% of cases for individuals with rotator cuff tears, and one reason for this failure may be the inability to strengthen and balance the muscle forces that keep the humeral head in the correct position. This study developed computational musculoskeletal models to compare the net muscle force before and after exercise therapy between successfully and unsuccessfully treated patients. The study found that unsuccessfully treated patients had less inferiorly oriented net muscle forces, which may increase the risk of impingement.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Natsuki Sado, Takeshi Edagawa, Toshihide Fujimori, Shogo Hashimoto, Yoshikazu Okamoto, Takahito Nakajima
Summary: The existing methods for predicting hip and lumbosacral joint centres in Japanese adults are biased and differ between sexes. We propose new regression equations that consider soft-tissue thickness, sex differences, and a height-directional measure, and validate them using leave-one-out cross-validation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Peimin Yu, Xuanzhen Cen, Qichang Mei, Alan Wang, Yaodong Gu, Justin Fernandez
Summary: This study aimed to explore the intra-foot biomechanical differences among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), copers, and healthy individuals during dynamic tasks. The study found that copers and CAI individuals had smaller dorsiflexion angles and copers presented a more eversion position compared to healthy participants. Copers also had greater dorsiflexion angles in the metatarsophalangeal joint and more inversion moments in the subtalar joint during certain tasks. These findings can help in designing interventions to restore ankle joint functions in CAI individuals.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Jon Skovgaard Jensen, Anders Holsgaard-Larsen, Anders Stengaard Sorensen, Per Aagaard, Jens Bojsen-Moller
Summary: This study investigates the biomechanical effects of robot-assisted body weight unloading (BWU) on gait patterns in healthy young adults. The results show that dynamic robot-assisted BWU enables reduced kinetic requirements without distorting biomechanically normal gait patterns during overground walking.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
