Inner Thigh Stretching for Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Patients with CAD should perform static stretches of the inner thigh (adductor muscle group) 2-3 days per week, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds, repeating 2-4 times per stretch, through a full range of motion to the point of tightness without straining. 1
Specific Stretching Protocol for CAD Patients
Frequency and Duration
- Perform flexibility training 2-3 non-consecutive days per week as part of a comprehensive exercise program 1
- Each stretch should be held for 15-30 seconds at the point of tightness 1
- Complete 2-4 repetitions per stretch for each major muscle group 1
- The entire stretching routine can be completed in approximately 15-20 minutes 1
Technique Guidelines
- Use static stretching (holding a position without bouncing) rather than dynamic or ballistic movements 1
- Stretch to the range of motion at a point of tightness, not pain 1
- Perform stretches in a rhythmical manner at a moderate to slow controlled speed 1
- Avoid breathholding and straining (Valsalva maneuver) during stretching - breathe normally throughout 1
- Stretching should be performed after the aerobic component of exercise to ensure adequate warm-up 1
Common Inner Thigh Stretches
While the guidelines don't specify exact stretch positions, the adductor (inner thigh) muscle group should be included as part of stretching major muscle groups. Based on the principle of stretching through full range of motion 1, appropriate inner thigh stretches include:
- Seated butterfly stretch: Sit with soles of feet together, gently press knees toward floor
- Standing adductor stretch: Stand with legs wide, shift weight to one side while keeping opposite leg straight
- Supine leg stretch: Lie on back, bring one leg across body or out to side
Critical Safety Considerations for CAD Patients
Cardiovascular Monitoring
- Stretching significantly reduces arterial stiffness and heart rate without adverse effects on blood pressure in cardiovascular disease patients 2
- Monitor for any chest pain, dyspnea, or unusual fatigue during or after stretching 3
- If symptoms develop, stop immediately and seek medical evaluation 3
Integration with Overall Exercise Program
- Flexibility training should be part of a comprehensive program that includes aerobic exercise and resistance training 1
- For resistance training, CAD patients should perform 1 set of 10-15 repetitions at reduced resistance levels 1
- The stretching component should follow aerobic activity when muscles are warm 1
Important Caveats
Avoid overstretching or forcing range of motion, as this can cause muscle strain and trigger compensatory cardiovascular responses 1. The goal is gentle, sustained stretching to the point of mild tension, not pain.
Post-surgical patients (particularly those within 8-12 weeks of coronary artery bypass surgery) should consult their cardiac rehabilitation team before initiating any stretching program, as sternal healing precautions may apply 1.
Adequate risk factor management must be maintained concurrently, including blood pressure control, statin therapy, and aspirin as prescribed 4, 5. Stretching is a complement to, not a replacement for, medical management.
The evidence shows that regular flexibility training improves arterial compliance (reduces stiffness) with a large effect size (d=2.04 for brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity) 2, making it a valuable component of cardiovascular risk reduction beyond simple range of motion benefits.