Does stretching actually change the muscles? Or does it only feel that way?
Researchers are still investigating exactly how stretching works. For a long time, they believed that stretching eased muscle tension. But one study found that stretching reduced tension only briefly--or not at all. This led a Swedish group of researchers to look at the physical sensations people have while stretching, and whether these sensations change the more you stretch.
A group of men in the military did a two-week stretching program for their thighs. Afterward, they reported that thigh stretches felt less intense. Researchers believe that this change in sensation may lead to changes in the muscles themselves, such as better flexibility and range of motion.
Researchers don't know why a stretch might produce less sensation over time. But they do know that stretching generally makes people feel good. In sports, in the workplace, in everyday life--stretching has a multitude of benefits for the body and mind.
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