Effects of stretching exercises on human gait: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stretching is commonly used in physical therapy as a rehabilitation tool to improve range of motion and motor function. However, is stretching an efficient method to improve gait, and if so, for which patient category? A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with meta-analysis was conducted using relevant databases. Every patient category and every type of stretching programs were included without multicomponent programs.

Postural adaptations to unilateral knee joint hypomobility induced by orthosis wear during gait initiation.

Balance control and whole-body progression during gait initiation (GI) involve knee-joint mobility. Single knee-joint hypomobility often occurs with aging, orthopedics or neurological conditions. The goal of the present study was to investigate the capacity of the CNS to adapt GI organization to single knee-joint hypomobility induced by the wear of an orthosis.

Short-Term Effects of Thoracic Spine Manipulation on the Biomechanical Organisation of Gait Initiation: A Randomized Pilot Study.

Speed performance during gait initiation is known to be dependent on the capacity of the central nervous system to generate efficient anticipatory postural adjustments (APA). According to the posturo-kinetic capacity (PKC) concept, any factor enhancing postural chain mobility and especially spine mobility, may facilitate the development of APA and thus speed performance. "Spinal Manipulative Therapy High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude" (SMT-HVLA) is a healing technique applied to the spine which is routinely used by healthcare practitioners to improve spine mobility.

Biomechanical reorganisation of stepping initiation during acute dorsiflexor fatigue.

During voluntary step initiation (SI), propulsive forces are generated during anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) which displace the centre-of-gravity (CoG) in the desired direction. These propulsive forces are implemented by ankle synergy, bilateral soleus inhibition followed by activation of tibialis anterior (TA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fatigue applied to ankle dorsiflexors on APA associated with SI and on related motor performance.