Improved circulation in cardiac patients

• In 2013 International Heart Journal published a study involving 32 patients receiving cardiac rehabilitation after acute heart attack, which found that 30-second stretching exercises followed by 30 seconds of rest improved vascular endothelial (inner lining of blood vessels) function and peripheral (legs, arms, hands and feet) circulation. [Source]

Diabetics

• In 2015 the Journal of Physical Therapy Science published a study in which 15 patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned to a control group or a stretching group for 8-weeks. At the end of the study period the stretching group had significantly lower blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (measures average blood sugar over a 2-3 month period) levels compared to both the control group and baseline levels. [Source]