RESULTS The physiological effects of stretches may contribute to reducing discomfort and pain .
However , if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes , stretches may suppress awareness of risks , result ing in more debilitating injuries .
If inadequately performed , stretches may also cause or aggravate injuries .
The studies provided mixed findings , but demonstrated some beneficial effect of stretching in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders .
OBJECTIVE This article review ed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of , and misconceptions about , stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders .
Effect of static stretching on prevention of injuries for military recruits.
This prospect i ve study was design ed to evaluate whether static stretching can prevent training-related injuries in Japan Ground Self-Defense Force military recruits . A total of 901 recruits between 1996 and 1998 were divided into two groups . Of which , 518 recruits were assigned to the stretching group and practice d static stretching before and after each physical training session . The  control subjects ( 383 recruits in the nonstretching group ) did not stretch statically prior to exercise . The static stretching consisted of 18 exercises . We collected injury data from medical records and assessed the incidence and the location of injury . The total injury rate was almost the same between two groups ; however , the incidences of muscle/tendon injury and low back pain were significantly lower in the stretching group ( p < 0.05 ) . Static stretching decreased the incidence of muscle-related injuries but did not prevent bone or joint injuries
RESULTS The physiological effects of stretches may contribute to reducing discomfort and pain .
However , if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes , stretches may suppress awareness of risks , result ing in more debilitating injuries .
If inadequately performed , stretches may also cause or aggravate injuries .
The studies provided mixed findings , but demonstrated some beneficial effect of stretching in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders .
OBJECTIVE This article review ed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of , and misconceptions about , stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders .