Stretching showed limited, mixed effects on inflammation markers in older adults
A review asked whether stretching can serve as a comparison activity in exercise research, finding mostly unchanged markers alongside exceptions in some disease groups.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review reported no effect of stretching on most immune-cell and inflammation measures, while some markers shifted in participants with chronic disease. It supports stretching as a possible comparison activity in exercise immunology research, with caution in peripheral artery disease. It does not establish health benefits from reduced inflammation, or that every marker remains unchanged.
The abstract does not identify the comparison groups or intervention durations. Results varied by marker, disease group, and tissue sampled, so the reported null findings should not be read as proof of biological inactivity.
What was measured
The review examined immune cells, circulating inflammatory markers, oxidative stress measures, and gene activity. Common blood markers were generally unchanged, while some other measures increased or decreased. Results for gene activity were also inconsistent.
Why the disease subgroup matters
Results for a particular inflammatory marker differed between healthy women and men with peripheral arterial disease. This subgroup finding limits the assumption that stretching is an inactive comparator for every older population.
The original publication
Is stretching an appropriate control for studies on exercise immunology in older adults? A systematic review.
Mathot E, Salimans L, Goens A et al.
Exerc Immunol Rev · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41408786
- Record checked
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