Physiology
Studies have shed light on a large protein within skeletal muscles named titin. A study performed by Magid and Law demonstrated that the origin of passive muscle tension (which occurs during stretching) is actually within the myofibrils, not extracellularly as had previously been supposed. Due to neurological safeguards against injury, it is normally impossible for adults to stretch most muscle groups to their fullest length without training due to the activation of muscle antagonists as the muscle reaches its normal range of motion. If people stretch daily, they will increase their flexibility, elasticity, range of motion, and production of synovial fluid. Stretching improves balance, physical performance, and blood circulation; it also reduces pain and soreness because it removes the lactic acid build up. Muscle pain is caused by tissue damages, excessive blood accumulation and increased lactic acid build up. This can be prevented if one stretches on a regular basis. When stretching one should not pull the muscle too quickly because it will cause a strain or tear. The muscles become relaxed after they are stretched which decreases the likelihood of a person getting a stress fracture. It is important to stretch to increase blood flow to prevent the hardening of arteries.
Read more about this topic: Stretching
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