Consensus Statement on Stretching Recommendations

International panel defines types of stretching and evidence-based benefits.

An international panel of 20 experts with both research and practical experience reached consensus on the evidence-based roles of stretching across performance and health domains. The experts noted the following benefits of stretching:

• improves range of motion (ROM) – both acutely (after one session) and chronically (with regular practice)
• reduces muscle stiffness – though the usefulness of this effect is context-dependent
• may support vascular health – potential cardiovascular benefits observed with chronic stretching, but more research is needed

In contrast to widespread assumptions, stretching does not significantly provide:

• substantial muscle growth (hypertrophy)
• effective injury prevention across all injury types
• noticeable postural improvements
• reliable post-exercise recovery benefits
• meaningful strength or hypertrophy gains – unless done at high volume and still less effective than resistance training

These findings emphasize the need to tailor stretching interventions to specific goals, such as mobility, while recognizing its limits in recovery and performance optimization.

The statement is reported in the Journal of Sport and Health Science (2025; doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2025.101067).