[pe_ZEN]

-thought you all might find this helpful-

“To summarize, the longest period of low force stretch produces the greatest amount of permanent elongation, with the least amount of trauma and structural weakening of the connective tissues. Consequently, permanent elongation of connective tissue results in range of motion increases for the patient.”

Hepburn GR. Case Studies: Contracture and Stiff Joint Management with Dynasplint. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 8 (1987) 498-504.

[pe_ZEN]

“When stretched, the connective tissue appears to be viscoelastic in nature. When a force is applied against the tissue and then removed, the tissue behaves as if it has both plastic and elastic properties. The elastic response is shown by recovery of the tissue to its original shortened position, while the plastic response is characterized by permanent elongation. Optimal plastic deformation of the tissue results with applications of long periods of low force stretch. The tissue slowly remodels because a biochemical response, triggered by constant force, results in a loosening and shifting of the fibers' connecting points within the tissue. By contrast, elongation of shortened connective tissue, through short periods of forceful stretching, relies upon attempt to mechanically break or tear the connecting points. Typically, with short periods of high force stretching, the result is a higher proportion of elastic response, less remodeling, and greater trauma and weakening of the tissue.”

Same reference.

[remek]

peZen: Great post. I went ahead and moved it into the appropriate forum - and one of my favorites - PE THEORY. The results, although not directly related to PE, seem to provide some positive comments on the use of extenders and all day stretchers (low stretching for a long period of time).

[mrcarrick]

Remek thought you may wanna check out post 63 in Trouble gaining girth? Check out this girth guide.

There is a bit of Science stuff in post 63

[mrcarrick]

what am i on about i mean post 92!!!

[growing4her]

Good find ! I saw they offered Limb Lengthening. I cant do a proper 6 oclock stretch , so longer arms may be my savior.

[JonPop]

I got Craftsman arm extensions at Sears. Cheaper if you buy the set.

[growing4her]

Let me guess . There are 3 to a set?

[JonPop]

No, you silly. '8' they cater to the octopi trade.

[Lazy 8]

Originally Posted by pe_ZEN

“When stretched, the connective tissue appears to be viscoelastic in nature. When a force is applied against the tissue and then removed, the tissue behaves as if it has both plastic and elastic properties. The elastic response is shown by recovery of the tissue to its original shortened position, while the plastic response is characterized by permanent elongation. Optimal plastic deformation of the tissue results with applications of long periods of low force stretch. The tissue slowly remodels because a biochemical response, triggered by constant force, results in a loosening and shifting of the fibers' connecting points within the tissue. By contrast, elongation of shortened connective tissue, through short periods of forceful stretching, relies upon attempt to mechanically break or tear the connecting points. Typically, with short periods of high force stretching, the result is a higher proportion of elastic response, less remodeling, and greater trauma and weakening of the tissue.”

Same reference.

This is a really valuable post, Zen. I think it may explain why I'm having trouble gaining length - I've been tugging too hard and getting the elastic effect. Now the question is have I created stronger tissue that will resist a lighter stretch. I've been tugging as hard as I can for most of my PE practice - after the initial 3 month break-in. Anyone else have thoughts on this - what your pull-strength has been? Has anybody tried to put a strain-gauge on their tugs? That would be getting pretty rigorous about monitoring effects of different approaches to stretching.

I'm going to try to give you a rep point for these posts!