Abstract.
An increase in muscular flexibility, as well as a significant beneficial effect on heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), was observed in healthy male athletes after performing a standardized 15-minute stretching-program over a period of 28 days. We believe the HRV increase to be due, at least in part, to the improved vagal and/or diminished sympathetic control. Therefore, we recommend stretching as an effective and gentle technique for health protection.
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Mueck-Weymann, M., Janshoff, G. & Mueck, H. Stretching increases heart rate variability in healthy athletes complaining about limited muscular flexibility. Clin Auton Res 14, 15–18 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-004-0123-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-004-0123-0