Stretch to Prevent Arthritis
This is my response to a blog on stretching.............
http://toddhargrove.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/quite-a-stretch-guest-post-from-paul-ingraham/
Great blog - very specific info on the effects of stretching prior to performance. Most of the article is backed by quality evidence that has become accepted throughout the physical therapy and fitness community. What is not addressed here and in much of the literature is the long-term effects of stretching (or not).
The author suggests that most people do not need to be more flexible. Stretching my have other value though. According to a recent study by the CDC (http://goo.gl/TsKrX), the risk of having symptoms of osteoarthritis in at least one knee by age 85 was 45.5 percent. That's only in the knee, suggesting that more than 1/2 the population will live with arthritis in their lifetime.
There are several ways to prevent arthritis and stretching is one of them. Now I don't believe that stretching alone is the cure for arthritis, but increasing flexibility and relieving stress on the joints is one element of a joint preservation program. A stretching program can also improve exercise performance as indicated by this article from the ACSM - http://goo.gl/Q9Rix
Stretching has gotten a bad rap lately. I've recently read several articles and blogs downplaying the value of stretching. The bottom line is that stretching is not a quick fix. Over the long haul it will increase muscle elasticity, overall flexibility, and performance.