Effects of Active Stretching on Cardiovascular Response and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults With Low Flexibility

University of Phayao80 enrolled

Overview

A study of the effects of active static stretching exercise in elderly people with poor lower extremity muscle flexibility on autonomic and cardiovascular responses and balance ability.

This study aims to investigate the effects of active static stretching exercises on autonomic nervous system responses, arterial stiffness, and balance ability in elderly individuals with poor flexibility in the lower extremity muscles. Participants will engage in an 8-week exercise program consisting of active static stretching sessions, focusing on major muscle groups in the lower limbs. The intervention is designed to improve arterial elasticity and heart rate variability (HRV) while enhancing dynamic and static balance performance. Outcomes will include measures of heart rate variability (HRV), arterial stiffness, and physical performance assessments such as the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Single-Leg Stance test (SLST), and muscle strength tests. Body composition and flexibility (sit-and-reach test, back scratch test) will also be evaluated. The study hypothesizes that active static stretching will promote improvements in autonomic regulation and cardiovascular health, as well as increase flexibility and balance control in community-dwelling older adults with reduced lower-limb flexibility.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Arterial Stiffness Autonomic Nervous System Musculoskeletal Diseases Range of Motion

Interventions

Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group)OTHER

Participants in the intervention group performed active static stretching exercises using a pictorial exercise booklet. The booklet contained a series of self-directed stretching postures targeting major muscle groups. Each stretch was held in a static position without external assistance, encouraging the participant to engage and maintain the stretch voluntarily." Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and repeated 3 times per muscle group. The targeted areas included the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, hip flexors, and shoulders."

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 YearsMax age: 80 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * \- Elderly males and females * Have a normal body mass index (between 18.5-24.5 kg/m2) * Be able to follow instructions and willing to participate in the study * Be able to communicate with the researcher and provide information by themselves (the researcher will read the questions to the volunteers and let the volunteers choose the answers by themselves) * Be able to walk continuously for at least 10 meters with or without walking aids * Have low flexibility with a forward lean distance not exceeding the 40th percentile from the sit and reach test according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria Exclusion Criteria: * \- Abnormalities such as pain or inflammation of the legs more than 5 points, assessed by (visual analog scale (VAS) \> 5 points) * Significantly different leg lengths (more than 1.4 centimeters) or abnormalities of joints, including abnormal sensations that affect movement and walking * Uncontrolled chronic diseases or obstacles to study, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, skeletal and muscular diseases such as chronic back pain, acute osteoarthritis, sprained ankle * Vision problems that cannot be corrected by wearing glasses * Uncorrected hearing Inner ear disturbances that affect balance, such as otitis media

Locations (1)

Chonticha Kaewjoho

Phayao, Thailand

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Assessment

HRV was evaluated to measure the variability between heartbeats, providing insight into autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, stress resistance, and arterial elasticity (Nunan et al., 2009). Measurements were conducted using the SA-3000P device in a temperature-controlled room (25-27 °C) during a consistent morning time frame (8:00-10:00 AM). Participant data (e.g., sex, date of birth) were entered into the system, and the individual was instructed to sit comfortably, refrain from speaking or moving, and breathe normally for 3 minutes while a finger probe was attached. Results were automatically displayed and stored for analysis.

Time frame: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

The TUG test was used to assess dynamic balance and fall risk. Participants were instructed to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters at a safe and fastest possible pace, turn around a cone, and return to the chair. Timing stopped once they sat back down. Each participant performed three trials, and the average time was recorded.

Time frame: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

Hand Grip Strength Test

Upper extremity strength was assessed using a hand grip dynamometer. Participants stood upright with arms at their sides. The test was conducted on the dominant arm with the elbow extended and the arm in a neutral pronated position. The dynamometer handle was adjusted to the second phalanx. Participants were asked to abduct the arm approximately 15 degrees and, upon the signal "start," squeeze the device with maximum force.

Time frame: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST)

Lower limb strength was assessed using the FTSST. Participants sat in a standard-height chair (without armrests), feet flat on the floor, heels 10 cm behind the knees, and hips flexed at approximately 90 degrees. Upon the command "start," they were instructed to stand up and sit down five times as quickly and safely as possible. Timing began at the command and ended when they sat down on the fifth repetition. Three trials were conducted, and the average time was used.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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