The effect of a Janda-based stretching program range of motion, muscular strength, and pain in middle-aged women with self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a stretching program, based on the Janda approach and compared with a static stretching program, on range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and pain. Subjects for this study were 11 middle-aged women with self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms. The subjects were randomly divided into six women as an experimental group (stretching based on Janda approach group, SJAG) and five women as the comparison group (traditional static stretching group, TSSG). Static stretching program in both groups consisted of 14 types of exercise and strength program in SJAG was comprised of five isometric contractions. The stretching program was performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The ROM and muscle strength of the neck and shoulder region were measured and a numerical rating scale was used for measuring pain. Significant differences between groups were determined with two-way repeated analysis of variance and paired -test. As a result of this study, the ROM did not show generally significant changes but was affirmatively improved in both groups. SJAG showed significant improvement in muscle strength and pain reduction compared to the TSSG. Consequently, a stretching program based on the Janda approach would be more effective on self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms caused by posture misalignment than a static stretching program.