Article
Physiology
Kosuke Takeuchi, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Yuta Murakami, Futaba Sanuki, Riku Yoshida, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study found that 3 minutes of static stretching at an intensity of 110% of ROM significantly decreased the muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Masatoshi Nakamura, Shigeru Sato, Yuta Murakami, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Futaba Sanuki, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, Kosuke Takeuchi
Summary: The study found that conducting static stretching interventions at intensities of 100% and 120% can increase knee flexion range of motion and decrease muscle shear elastic modulus, which could be beneficial in preventing quadriceps muscle strain, especially the rectus femoris.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Kenta Iwane, Ko Yanase, Tome Ikezoe, Noriaki Ichihashi
Summary: This study used shear wave elastography (SWE) to measure the shear elastic moduli of BBL and BBS and determine the positions where they were most stretched. The results showed that shoulder extension + external rotation and shoulder horizontal abduction + internal rotation positions had the highest shear elastic moduli for BBL and BBS, providing evidence for effective stretching of these muscles.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Taizan Fukaya, Andreas Konrad, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Koki Yasaka, Remi Onuma, Riku Yoshida, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study compared the effects of contract-relax stretching and antagonist contract-relax stretching on muscle stiffness and stretch tolerance. The results showed that both methods significantly increased range of motion and stretch tolerance, but contract-relax stretching was more effective in reducing muscle stiffness.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(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
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
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)
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
Sayaka Nakao, Tome Ikezoe, Masahide Yagi, Jun Umehara, Shusuke Nojiri, Noriaki Ichihashi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate muscle elongation by assessing the echo intensity of muscles. Results showed that the echo intensity increased with muscle elongation during passive ankle dorsiflexion, especially in the longitudinal image using the maximum Region of Interest (ROI).
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lukasz Wargula, Dominik Wojtkowiak, Mateusz Kukla, Krzysztof Talaska
Summary: This study presents experimental research results on the mechanical properties of pine wood, focusing on the effects of moisture content and force direction. By developing a model using finite element analysis, the study aims to estimate the maximum destructive force of the material and design energy-efficient and durable grinding machines. The accuracy of the model in determining the maximum destructive force is around 8%, with an average coverage of about 77% for elastic-plastic deformations.
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
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Baizhen Chen, Chunlong Liu, Ming Lin, Weixin Deng, Zhijie Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between shear modulus and different body postures of the thoracolumbar fascia using shear wave elastography. The results showed significant differences in TLF stiffness among different postures, with higher stiffness in sitting and standing postures. Forward tilt and sitting postures were found to potentially induce low back pain. Overall, this study provides preliminary in vivo data on the relationship between body postures and TLF stiffness.
MEDICAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTING
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Masatoshi Nakamura, Shigeru Sato, Futaba Sanuki, Yuta Murakami, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, Kosuke Takeuchi
Summary: The study showed that applying a hot pack before high-intensity static stretching can reduce stretching pain, but there was no significant difference in increasing knee flexion range of motion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
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
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
Physiology
Taizan Fukaya, Andreas Konrad, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Koki Yasaka, Remi Onuma, Riku Yoshida, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This study compared the effects of contract-relax stretching and antagonist contract-relax stretching on muscle stiffness and stretch tolerance. The results showed that both methods significantly increased range of motion and stretch tolerance, but contract-relax stretching was more effective in reducing muscle stiffness.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(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)
Review
Sport Sciences
Andreas Konrad, Masatoshi Nakamura, Markus Tilp, Olyvia Donti, David G. Behm
Summary: Foam-rolling training can acutely improve joint range of motion, but its adaptational effects over several weeks are not well understood.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masatoshi Nakamura, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Riku Yoshida, Kazuki Kasahara, Andreas Konrad
Summary: This study investigated the acute effect of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) intervention on eccentrically damaged muscle. The results showed that CRet intervention significantly improved knee flexion range of motion, muscle strength, and muscle soreness in the eccentrically damaged muscle.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Sport Sciences
Ewan Thomas, Salvatore Ficarra, Masatoshi Nakamura, Antonio Paoli, Marianna Bellafiore, Antonio Palma, Antonino Bianco
Summary: This review examined the impact of specific forms of exercise on tissue stiffness adaptations, finding that different types of exercise can have varying effects on the stiffness of muscle, connective tissue, peripheral nerves, and arteries. Through exercise interventions, tissue stiffness can be altered to a more physiological state.
SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN
(2022)
Review
Rehabilitation
Taizan Fukaya, Shigeru Sato, Kaoru Yahata, Riku Yoshida, Kosuke Takeuchi, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: This review investigated the acute and chronic effects of different stretching intensities, including constant-angle and constant-torque stretching. The results suggest that higher stretching intensity, particularly constant-torque stretching, is more effective for changes in range of motion (ROM) and passive stiffness in the acute phase, but the chronic effect is weak.
JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Kazuki Kasahara, Andreas Konrad, Riku Yoshida, Yuta Murakami, Shigeru Sato, Kodai Aizawa, Ryoma Koizumi, Ewan Thomas, Masatoshi Nakamura
Summary: The study found that both unilateral foam rolling and foam rolling with vibration interventions could significantly increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, but had no significant impact on muscle stiffness and strength.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
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
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)