Key Points Stretching and foam rolling are the most common training interventions when aiming to acutely or chronically increase range of motion. However, it seems questionable to attribute the flexibility increases exclusively to these training routines. The limitations in study methodology are discussed, including different training protocols that result in improved range of motion. This leads to the misinterpretation of the findings based on speculative physiological mechanisms. Acute and chronic stretching are of limited efficacy. Similar range of motion enhancements can be achieved via other training interventions sufficient to enhance body temperature acutely, while chronically, applying mechanical tension to extended muscle lengths seems one important factor, achievable through concurrent alternatives (e.g. resistance training).
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