Muscle stretching is traditionally recognized for improving joint flexibility and mobility. However, recent evidence suggests it also positively impacts the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and autonomic nervous systems. Stretching can be performed in static or dynamic forms and, importantly, is accessible to nearly everyone as a low-intensity exercise. Therefore, increasing our mechanistic understanding of this understudied field will help us optimize its benefits as we move forward and establish new applications for this easy-to-use technique.The scope of this Research Topic is to provide sound contributions from multiple scientific disciplines to explore the structural and functional changes induced by muscle stretching. In particular, we welcome contributions in the form of original research papers, short communications, and reviews that explore both chronic and acute adaptations to muscle stretching in the context of health and disease.Key areas of interest include:• Neuromuscular adaptations• Cardiovascular responses• Autonomic regulation• Hemodynamic changes• Respiratory effects
Muscle stretching is traditionally recognized for improving joint flexibility and mobility. However, recent evidence suggests it also positively impacts the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and autonomic nervous systems. Stretching can be performed in static or dynamic forms and, importantly, is accessible to nearly everyone as a low-intensity exercise. Therefore, increasing our mechanistic understanding of this understudied field will help us optimize its benefits as we move forward and establish new applications for this easy-to-use technique.The scope of this Research Topic is to provide sound contributions from multiple scientific disciplines to explore the structural and functional changes induced by muscle stretching. In particular, we welcome contributions in the form of original research papers, short communications, and reviews that explore both chronic and acute adaptations to muscle stretching in the context of health and disease.Key areas of interest include:• Neuromuscular adaptations• Cardiovascular responses• Autonomic regulation• Hemodynamic changes• Respiratory effects