[Age-related stiffness: can stretching improve function and autonomy in older adults?]

Λεπτομέρειες βιβλιογραφικής εγγραφής
Τίτλος:	[Age-related stiffness: can stretching improve function and autonomy in older adults?]
Μεταγλωττισμένος Τίτλος:	La rigidità dell’età: lo stretching può migliorare autonomia e funzione nell’anziano?
Συγγραφείς:	Tenace D; Cinesiologa, Genova., Boccini A; Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale (Dimes), Università di Genova., Perniola M; Cinesiologo, Bologna., Cigni S; Divisione di Ortopedia e traumatologia, Asst Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milano., Lisi R; Cinesiologo, Cassino (Frosinone).
Πηγή:	Recenti progressi in medicina [Recenti Prog Med] 2026 Oct; Vol. 117 (10), pp. 438-444.
Τύπος έκδοσης:	Journal Article; Review; English Abstract
Γλώσσα:	Italian
Στοιχεία περιοδικού:	Publisher: Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore Country of Publication: Italy NLM ID: 0401271 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2038-1840 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00341193 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Recenti Prog Med Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):	Original Publication: Roma : Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH):	Aging/physiology , Muscle Stretching Exercises, Range of Motion, Articular/physiology ; Accidental Falls/prevention & control ; Musculoskeletal Pain/prevention & control ; Humans ; Aged ; Personal Autonomy
Περίληψη:	Introduction: Aging is associated with progressive changes in the musculoskeletal system, contributing to reduced joint mobility, flexibility, and motor function. These alterations may compromise autonomy in older adults, favoring musculoskeletal pain, functional limitations, and increased risk of falls. In this context, stretching is commonly included in adapted physical activity and rehabilitation programs for older individuals. Objective: To critically analyze the available evidence regarding the usefulness of stretching in older adults, with particular focus on joint mobility, physical function, pain, and functional autonomy. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted by consulting databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library, prioritizing clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and consensus statements, complemented by relevant clinical studies investigating the effects of stretching in older adults. Particular attention was paid to studies addressing static stretching, dynamic stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, with emphasis on clinically and functionally relevant outcomes. Results: Available evidence suggests relatively consistent benefits of stretching on range of motion and flexibility. Some studies also report favorable effects on perceived stiffness, musculoskeletal pain, and selected aspects of motor function. However, findings regarding improvements in overall functional performance, balance, and fall prevention remain less consistent. Conclusions: Stretching does not appear to represent a stand-alone intervention for maintaining physical function in older adults, but it may be considered a complementary component within multicomponent exercise programs. Its clinical usefulness seems greater when the aim is to improve joint mobility, perceived stiffness, and movement quality, particularly in subjects with reduced mobility or baseline functional limitations.
Entry Date(s):	Date Created: 20261005 Date Completed: 20261005 Latest Revision: 20261005
Update Code:	20261005
DOI:	10.1701/4781.48064
PMID:	42831708
Βάση Δεδομένων:	MEDLINE

Περιγραφή
ISSN:	2038-1840
DOI:	10.1701/4781.48064