Fulawka, Kara2026-09-022026-09-022026-08-202026-08-252026-08-29http://hdl.handle.net/1993/40048Context: Unilateral static stretching (SS) is often used in sport and rehabilitation settings. Adaptations are believed to result from cross-over of the effects of SS. There has been no investigation into how unilateral SS can reduce the risk of pectoral shortening, resulting in forward shoulder posture (FSP). To fully understand the effects of unilateral pectoral SS, it is important to examine its effects on horizontal abduction ROM (HaROM), FSP, pectoralis minor length (PML), PMin SWV and pectoralis major stiffess (PMaj SWV). It is also important to understand whether its effects on these variables mimic those of higher intensity stretching. Objective: The proposed project will examine the CL effects of unilateral pectoral stretching at two intensities on PMaj SWV, PMin SWV, FSP, PML and HaROM. Additionally, we examined the effect of changes in intensity and HaROM in the intervention limb on the CL limb. Methods: A convenience sample of 30 participants completed two sessions of unilateral pectoral SS on their dominant limb at two stretching intensities (moderate (MOD) and maximal (MAX)) in addition to a control condition (CON). Each participant performed three sets of 30-seconds with a 30-second rest between each repetition at each intensity with PMaj SWV, PMin SWV, FSP, PML and HaROM being measured on both limbs prior to and immediately following each intervention. Results: Patient-administered SS at a MOD and MAX intensity increased HaROM, with MAX exhibiting a greater change than MOD. FSP, PMaj and PML showed significant baseline differences between sexes. PMin SWV increased during the CON and MOD conditions. There were also significant baseline differences in PMin SWV between all conditions. The HaROM and intensity change score of the intervention limb was effective at predicting change in the MAX condition but not the MOD condition. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that unilateral pectoral SS is effective at improving HaROM in the CL limb at a MOD and MAX intensity, though MAX intensity may be more favourable as it elicits greater improvements in HaROM. Acutely, this method of stretching is not effective in reducing PMaj or PMin SWV, PML and FSP, though the chronic adaptations remain unknown.engStatic StretchingPectoralCross EducationContralateral Effects