Acute effects of static stretching on postural control during a maximum forward-leaning task in young and older adults

Abstract

Background: Static stretching (SS) is effective in increasing flexibility and neuromuscular function, leading to changes in postural control. Objective: This study aimed to examine the acute effects of SS on ankle plantar flexors and dynamic postural control during a maximum forward-leaning task in young and older adults. Methods: Twenty-eight university students and 22 community-dwelling older adults were included in this study. The participants performed 5 sets of 1-min SS for the ankle plantar flexors of both legs with standing on a stretching board. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and center of pressure (COP) during the maximum forward-leaning task, the COP area, and the anterior limit of stability were assessed before and after SS. Results: SS increased ankle dorsiflexion ROM, COP velocity, and anterior limit of stability, whereas changes in the COP area were not significant after SS. Furthermore, there were no differences in the changes in postural control between young and older adults, whereas ROM increase was greater in older adults than in young adults. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SS can improve postural control and can serve as a simple, low-risk intervention to reduce the risk of falls in older, at-risk adult populations.