It Is The Ability To Move A Body Part Through A Full Range Of Motion At A Joint. (2023)

1. Flexibility | Sports Medicine | UC Davis Health

• Flexibility is the ability of a joint or series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain free range of motion. Although flexibility varies widely ...

• Normal flexibility, or the ability of joints to move through an unrestricted range of motion, can be lost due to injury, inactivity or a lack of stretching.

2. [PDF] Health and Physical Education Standards - OSPI

• Type: Stretches that allow the body to move through the full range of motion. ... Flexibility: The ability to move the joints through the full range of motion.

3. it is the ability to move a body part through a full range of motion at a ...

• Jan 20, 2021 · Flexibility is the ability to move a body part through a full range of motion at a joint. When a person stretches or do activities like sit up ...

• it is the ability to move a body part through a full range of motion at a joint.​ - 9590077

4. 1. what do you call to the ability to move a body part through full range ...

• Nov 5, 2020 · Answer: 1. A. Flexibility is the ability to move at the joints through a full range of motion. 2. D. Muscular Endurance.

• 1. what do you call to the ability to move a body part through full range of motion at a joint? - 6386657

5. [PDF] Physical Fitness and You

• Flexibility- the ability to move a body part through a full range of motion. • Muscular Strength- the amount of force a muscle can exert. • Muscular ...

6. Health-Related Fitness Measures for Youth: Flexibility - NCBI

• 11-13) defines flexibility as the ability to “move freely through a full range of motion.” A review of issues related to flexibility (Knudson et al., 2000) ...

• Flexibility as a component of fitness first gained prominence in the early 1900s as the field of physical therapy emerged (Linker, 2011). Later in that century, circumstances (i.e., two world wars and a polio epidemic) provided further impetus for growth in the professions of occupational and physical therapy and a rise in schools for preparing therapists. In 1980 the first health-related physical fitness test was published (AAHPERD, 1980), and it included a test of flexibility (sit-and-reach). Subsequent U.S. and international health-related test batteries—including the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) and Fitnessgram® batteries—have included items to measure flexibility.

7. Physical Fitness and Its Components - Physiopedia

• Flexibility is the ability to move a joint through its complete range of motion. It is important in the ability to carry out ADLs and in athletic performance.

• Original Editor - User Name

8. Flexibility - Physiopedia

• Flexibility refers to the ability of muscles, joints, and soft tissues to move through an unrestricted, pain-free range of motion. It involves the capacity ...

• Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

9. STRETCHING AND FLEXIBILITY

• Flexibility is defined by Gummerson as "the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints that is attainable in a momentary effort with the help of ...

• Go to the previous, next chapter. Types of Stretching: (next chapter) Physiology of Stretching: (previous chapter) Flexibility is defined by Gummerson as "the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints that is attainable in a momentary effort with the help of a partner or a piece of equipment." This definition tells us that flexibility is not something general but is specific to a particular joint or set of joints. In other words, it is a myth that some people are innately flexible throughout their entire body. Being flexible in one particular area or joint does not necessarily imply being flexible in another. Being "loose" in the upper body does not mean you will have a "loose" lower body. Furthermore, according to SynerStretch, flexibility in a joint is also "specific to the action performed at the joint (the ability to do front splits doesn't imply the ability to do side splits even though both actions occur at the hip)." Types of Flexibility Factors Limiting Flexibility Strength and Flexibility Overflexibility Types of Flexibility Factors Limiting Flexibility: (next section) Flexibility: (beginning of chapter) Many people are unaware of the fact that there are different types of flexibility. These different types of flexibility are grouped according to the various types of activities involved in athletic training. The ones which involve motion are called dynamic and the ones which do not are called static. The different types of flexibility (according to Kurz) are: dynamic flexibility Dynamic flexibility (also called kinetic flexibility) is the ability to perform dynamic (or kinetic) movements of the muscles to bring a limb through its full range of motion in the joints. static-active flexibility Static-active flexibility (also called active flexibility) is the ability to assume and maintain extended positions using only the tension of the agonists and synergists while the antagonists are being stretched (see section Cooperating Muscle Groups). For example, lifting the leg and keeping it high without any external support (other than from your own leg muscles). static-passive flexibility Static-passive flexibility (also called passive flexibility) is the ability to assume extended positions and then maintain them using only your weight, the support of your limbs, or some other apparatus (such as a chair or a barre). Note that the ability to maintain the position does not come solely from your muscles, as it does with static-active flexibility. Being able to perform the splits is an example of static-passive flexibility. Research has shown that active flexibility is more closely related to the level of sports achievement than is passive flexibility. Active flexibility is harder to develop than passive flexibility (which is what most people think of as "flexibility"); not only does active flexibility require passive flexibility in order to assume an initial extended position, it also requires muscle strength to be able to hold and maintain that position. Factors Limiting Flexibility Strength and Flexibility: (next section) Types of Flexibility: (previous section) Flexibility: (beginning of chapter) According to Gummerson, flexibility (he uses the term mobility) is affected by the following factors: Internal influences the type of joint (some joints simply aren't meant to be flexible) the internal resistance within a joint bony structures which limit movement the elasticity of muscle tissue (muscle tissue that is scarred due to a previous injury is not very elastic) the elasticity of tendons and ligaments (ligaments do not stretch much and tendons should not stretch at all) the elasticity of skin (skin actually has some degree of elasticity, but not much) the ability of a muscle to relax and contract to achieve the greatest range of movement the temperature of the joint and associated tissues (joints and muscles offer better flexibility at body temperatures that are 1 to 2 degrees higher than normal) External influences the temperature of the place where one is training (a warmer temperature is more conducive to increased flexibility) the time of day (most people are more flexible in the afternoon than in the morning, peaking from about 2:30pm-4pm) the stage in the recovery process of a joint (or muscle) after injury (injured joints and muscles will usually offer a lesser degree of flexibility than healthy ones) age (pre-adolescents are generally more flexible than adults) gender (females are generally more flexible than males) one's ability to perform a particular exercise (practice makes perfect) one's commitment to achieving flexibility the restrictions of any clothing or equipment Some sources also the suggest that water is an important dietary element with regard to flexibility. Increased water intake is believed to contribute to increased mobility, as well as increased total body relaxation. Rather than discuss each of these factors in significant detail as Gummerson does, I will attempt to focus on some of the more common factors which limit one's flexibility. According to SynerStretch, the most common factors are: bone structure, muscle mass, excess fatty tissue, and connective tissue (and, of course, physical injury or disability). Depending on the type of joint involved and its present condition (is it healthy?), the bone structure of a particular joint places very noticeable limits on flexibility. This is a common way in which age can be a factor limiting flexibility since older joints tend not to be as healthy as younger ones. Muscle mass can be a factor when the muscle is so heavily developed that it interferes with the ability to take the adjacent joints through their complete range of motion (for example, large hamstrings limit the ability to fully bend the knees). Excess fatty tissue imposes a similar restriction. The majority of "flexibility" work should involve performing exercises designed to reduce the internal resistance offered by soft connective tissues (see section Connective Tissue). Most stretching exercises attempt to accomplish this goal and can be performed by almost anyone, regardless of age or gender. How Connective Tissue Affects Flexibility How Aging Affects Flexibility How Connective Tissue Affects Flexibility How Aging Affects Flexibility: (next subsection) Factors Limiting Flexibility: (beginning of section) The resistance to lengthening that is offered by a muscle is dependent upon its connective tissues: When the muscle elongates, the surrounding connective tissues become more taut (see section Connective Tissue). Also, inactivity of certain muscles or joints can cause chemical changes in connective tissue which restrict flexibility. According to M. Alter, each type of tissue plays a certain role in joint stiffness: "The joint capsule (i.e., the saclike structure that encloses the ends of bones) and ligaments are the most important factors, accounting for 47 percent of the stiffness, followed by the muscle's fascia (41 percent), the tendons (10 percent), and skin (2 percent)". M. Alter goes on to say that efforts to increase flexibility should be directed at the muscle's fascia however. This is because it has the most elastic tissue, and because ligaments and tendons (since they have less elastic tissue) are not intended to stretched very much at all. Overstretching them may weaken the joint's integrity and cause destabilization (which increases the risk of injury). When connective tissue is overused, the tissue becomes fatigued and may tear, which also limits flexibility. When connective tissue is unused or under used, it provides significant resistance and limits flexibility. The elastin begins to fray and loses some of its elasticity, and the collagen increases in stiffness and in density. Aging has some of the same effects on connective tissue that lack of use has. How Aging Affects Flexibility How Connective Tissue Affects Flexibility: (previous subsection) Factors Limiting Flexibility: (beginning of section) With appropriate training, flexibility can, and should, be developed at all ages. This does not imply, however, that flexibility can be developed at the same rate by everyone. In general, the older you are, the longer it will take to develop the desired level of flexibility. Hopefully, you'll be more patient if you're older. According to M. Alter, the main reason we become less flexible as we get older is a result of certain changes that take place in our connective tissues. As we age, our bodies gradually dehydrate to some extent. It is believed that "stretching stimulates the production or retention of lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, thus preventing the formation of adhesions". Hence, exercise can delay some of the loss of flexibility that occurs due to the aging process. M. Alter further states that some of the physical changes attributed to aging are the following: An increased amount of calcium deposits, adhesions, and cross-links in the body An increase in the level of fragmentation and dehydration Changes in the chemical structure of the tissues. Loss of suppleness due to the replacement of muscle fibers with fatty, collagenous fibers. This does not mean that you should give up trying to achieve flexibility if you are old or inflexible. It just means that you need to work harder, and more carefully, for a longer period of time when attempting to increase flexibility. Increases in the ability of muscle tissues and connective tissues to elongate (stretch) can be achieved at any age. Strength and Flexibility Overflexibility: (next section) Factors Limiting Flexibility: (previous section) Flexibility: (beginning of chapter) Strength training and flexibility training should go hand in hand. It is a common misconception that there must always be a trade-off between flexibility and strength. Obviously, if you neglect flexibility training altogether in order to train for strength then you are certainly sacrificing flexibility (and vice versa). However, performing exercises for both strength and flexibility need not sacrifice either one. As a matter of fact, flexibility training and strength training can actually enhance one another. Why Bodybuilders Should Stretch Why Contortionists Should Strengthen Why Bodybuilders Should Stretch Why Contortionists Should Strengthen: (next subsection) Strength and Flexibility: (beginning of section) One of the best times to stretch is right after a strength workout such as weightlifting. Static stretching of fatigued muscles (see section Static Stretching) performed immediately following the exercise(s) that caused the fatigue, helps not only to increase flexibility, but also enhances the promotion of muscular development (muscle growth), and will actually help decrease the level of post-exercise soreness. Here's why: After you have used weights (or other means) to overload and fatigue your muscles, your muscles retain a "pump" and are shortened somewhat. This "shortening" is due mostly to the repetition of intense muscle activity that often only takes the muscle through part of its full range of motion. This "pump" makes the muscle appear bigger. The "pumped" muscle is also full of lactic acid and other by-products from exhaustive exercise. If the muscle is not stretched afterward, it will retain this decreased range of motion (it sort of "forgets" how to make itself as long as it could) and the buildup of lactic acid will cause post-exercise soreness. Static stretching of the "pumped" muscle helps it to become "looser", and to "remember" its full range of movement. It also helps to remove lactic acid and other waste-products from the muscle. While it is true that stretching the "pumped" muscle will make it appear visibly smaller, it does not decrease the muscle's size or inhibit muscle growth. It merely reduces the "tightness" (contraction) of the muscles so that they do not "bulge" as much. Also, strenuous workouts will often cause damage to the muscle's connective tissue. The tissue heals in 1 to 2 days but it is believed that the tissues heal at a shorter length (decreasing muscular development as well as flexibility). To prevent the tissues from healing at a shorter length, physiologists recommend static stretching after strength workouts. Why Contortionists Should Strengthen Why Bodybuilders Should Stretch: (previous subsection) Strength and Flexibility: (beginning of section) You should be "tempering" (or balancing) your flexibility training with strength training (and vice versa). Do not perform stretching exercises for a given muscle group without also performing strength exercises for that same group of muscles. Judy Alter, in her book Stretch and Strengthen, recommends stretching muscles after performing strength exercises, and performing strength exercises for every muscle you stretch. In other words: "Strengthen what you stretch, and stretch after you strengthen!" The reason for this is that flexibility training on a regular basis causes connective tissues to stretch which in turn causes them to loosen (become less taut) and elongate. When the connective tissue of a muscle is weak, it is more likely to become damaged due to overstretching, or sudden, powerful muscular contractions. The likelihood of such injury can be prevented by strengthening the muscles bound by the connective tissue. Kurz suggests dynamic strength training consisting of light dynamic exercises with weights (lots of reps, not too much weight), and isometric tension exercises. If you also lift weights, dynamic strength training for a muscle should occur before subjecting that muscle to an intense weightlifting workout. This helps to pre-exhaust the muscle first, making it easier (and faster) to achieve the desired overload in an intense strength workout. Attempting to perform dynamic strength training after an intense weightlifting workout would be largely ineffective. If you are working on increasing (or maintaining) flexibility then it is very important that your strength exercises force your muscles to take the joints through their full range of motion. According to Kurz, Repeating movements that do not employ a full range of motion in the joints (like cycling, certain weightlifting techniques, and pushups) can cause of shortening of the muscles surrounding the joints. This is because the nervous control of length and tension in the muscles are set at what is repeated most strongly and/or most frequently. Overflexibility Strength and Flexibility: (previous section) Flexibility: (beginning of chapter) It is possible for the muscles of a joint to become too flexible. According to SynerStretch, there is a tradeoff between flexibility and stability. As you get "looser" or more limber in a particular joint, less support is given to the joint by its surrounding muscles. Excessive flexibility can be just as bad as not enough because both increase your risk of injury. Once a muscle has reached its absolute maximum length, attempting to stretch the muscle further only serves to stretch the ligaments and put undue stress upon the tendons (two things that you do not want to stretch). Ligaments will tear when stretched more than 6% of their normal length. Tendons are not even supposed to be able to lengthen. Even when stretched ligaments and tendons do not tear, loose joints and/or a decrease in the joint's stability can occur (thus vastly increasing your risk of injury). Once you have achieved the desired level of flexibility for a muscle or set of muscles and have maintained that level for a solid week, you should discontinue any isometric or PNF stretching of that muscle until some of its flexibility is lost (see section Isometric Stretching, and see section PNF Stretching). Go to the previous, next chapter.

10. STRETCHING AND FLEXIBILITY - Types of Stretching

• Ballistic stretching uses the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an attempt to force it beyond its normal range of motion. This is stretching, or "warming ...

• Go to the previous, next chapter. How to Stretch: (next chapter) Flexibility: (previous chapter) Just as there are different types of flexibility, there are also different types of stretching. Stretches are either dynamic (meaning they involve motion) or static (meaning they involve no motion). Dynamic stretches affect dynamic flexibility and static stretches affect static flexibility (and dynamic flexibility to some degree). The different types of stretching are: ballistic stretching dynamic stretching active stretching passive (or relaxed) stretching static stretching isometric stretching PNF stretching Ballistic Stretching Dynamic Stretching Active Stretching Passive Stretching Static Stretching Isometric Stretching PNF Stretching Ballistic Stretching Dynamic Stretching: (next section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) Ballistic stretching uses the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an attempt to force it beyond its normal range of motion. This is stretching, or "warming up", by bouncing into (or out of) a stretched position, using the stretched muscles as a spring which pulls you out of the stretched position. (e.g. bouncing down repeatedly to touch your toes.) This type of stretching is not considered useful and can lead to injury. It does not allow your muscles to adjust to, and relax in, the stretched position. It may instead cause them to tighten up by repeatedly activating the stretch reflex (see section The Stretch Reflex). Dynamic Stretching Active Stretching: (next section) Ballistic Stretching: (previous section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) Dynamic stretching, according to Kurz, "involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both." Do not confuse dynamic stretching with ballistic stretching! Dynamic stretching consists of controlled leg and arm swings that take you (gently!) to the limits of your range of motion. Ballistic stretches involve trying to force a part of the body beyond its range of motion. In dynamic stretches, there are no bounces or "jerky" movements. An example of dynamic stretching would be slow, controlled leg swings, arm swings, or torso twists. Dynamic stretching improves dynamic flexibility and is quite useful as part of your warm-up for an active or aerobic workout (such as a dance or martial-arts class). See section Warming Up. According to Kurz, dynamic stretching exercises should be performed in sets of 8-12 repetitions. Be sure to stop when and if you feel tired. Tired muscles have less elasticity which decreases the range of motion used in your movements. Continuing to exercise when you are tired serves only to reset the nervous control of your muscle length at the reduced range of motion used in the exercise (and will cause a loss of flexibility). Once you attain a maximal range of motion for a joint in any direction you should stop doing that movement during that workout. Tired and overworked muscles won't attain a full range of motion and the muscle's kinesthetic memory will remember the repeated shorted range of motion, which you will then have to overcome before you can make further progress. Active Stretching Passive Stretching: (next section) Dynamic Stretching: (previous section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) Active stretching is also referred to as static-active stretching. An active stretch is one where you assume a position and then hold it there with no assistance other than using the strength of your agonist muscles (see section Cooperating Muscle Groups). For example, bringing your leg up high and then holding it there without anything (other than your leg muscles themselves) to keep the leg in that extended position. The tension of the agonists in an active stretch helps to relax the muscles being stretched (the antagonists) by reciprocal inhibition (see section Reciprocal Inhibition). Active stretching increases active flexibility and strengthens the agonistic muscles. Active stretches are usually quite difficult to hold and maintain for more than 10 seconds and rarely need to be held any longer than 15 seconds. Many of the movements (or stretches) found in various forms of yoga are active stretches. Passive Stretching Static Stretching: (next section) Active Stretching: (previous section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) Passive stretching is also referred to as relaxed stretching, and as static-passive stretching. A passive stretch is one where you assume a position and hold it with some other part of your body, or with the assistance of a partner or some other apparatus. For example, bringing your leg up high and then holding it there with your hand. The splits is an example of a passive stretch (in this case the floor is the "apparatus" that you use to maintain your extended position). Slow, relaxed stretching is useful in relieving spasms in muscles that are healing after an injury. Obviously, you should check with your doctor first to see if it is okay to attempt to stretch the injured muscles (see section Pain and Discomfort). Relaxed stretching is also very good for "cooling down" after a workout and helps reduce post-workout muscle fatigue, and soreness. See section Cooling Down. Static Stretching Isometric Stretching: (next section) Passive Stretching: (previous section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) Many people use the term "passive stretching" and "static stretching" interchangeably. However, there are a number of people who make a distinction between the two. According to M. Alter, Static stretching consists of stretching a muscle (or group of muscles) to its farthest point and then maintaining or holding that position, whereas Passive stretching consists of a relaxed person who is relaxed (passive) while some external force (either a person or an apparatus) brings the joint through its range of motion. Notice that the definition of passive stretching given in the previous section encompasses both of the above definitions. Throughout this document, when the term static stretching or passive stretching is used, its intended meaning is the definition of passive stretching as described in the previous section. You should be aware of these alternative meanings, however, when looking at other references on stretching. Isometric Stretching PNF Stretching: (next section) Static Stretching: (previous section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) Isometric stretching is a type of static stretching (meaning it does not use motion) which involves the resistance of muscle groups through isometric contractions (tensing) of the stretched muscles (see section Types of Muscle Contractions). The use of isometric stretching is one of the fastest ways to develop increased static-passive flexibility and is much more effective than either passive stretching or active stretching alone. Isometric stretches also help to develop strength in the "tensed" muscles (which helps to develop static-active flexibility), and seems to decrease the amount of pain usually associated with stretching. The most common ways to provide the needed resistance for an isometric stretch are to apply resistance manually to one's own limbs, to have a partner apply the resistance, or to use an apparatus such as a wall (or the floor) to provide resistance. An example of manual resistance would be holding onto the ball of your foot to keep it from flexing while you are using the muscles of your calf to try and straighten your instep so that the toes are pointed. An example of using a partner to provide resistance would be having a partner hold your leg up high (and keep it there) while you attempt to force your leg back down to the ground. An example of using the wall to provide resistance would be the well known "push-the-wall" calf-stretch where you are actively attempting to move the wall (even though you know you can't). Isometric stretching is not recommended for children and adolescents whose bones are still growing. These people are usually already flexible enough that the strong stretches produced by the isometric contraction have a much higher risk of damaging tendons and connective tissue. Kurz strongly recommends preceding any isometric stretch of a muscle with dynamic strength training for the muscle to be stretched. A full session of isometric stretching makes a lot of demands on the muscles being stretched and should not be performed more than once per day for a given group of muscles (ideally, no more than once every 36 hours). The proper way to perform an isometric stretch is as follows: Assume the position of a passive stretch for the desired muscle. Next, tense the stretched muscle for 7-15 seconds (resisting against some force that will not move, like the floor or a partner). Finally, relax the muscle for at least 20 seconds. Some people seem to recommend holding the isometric contraction for longer than 15 seconds, but according to SynerStretch (the videotape), research has shown that this is not necessary. So you might as well make your stretching routine less time consuming. How Isometric Stretching Works How Isometric Stretching Works Isometric Stretching: (beginning of section) Recall from our previous discussion (see section How Muscles Contract) that there is no such thing as a partially contracted muscle fiber: when a muscle is contracted, some of the fibers contract and some remain at rest (more fibers are recruited as the load on the muscle increases). Similarly, when a muscle is stretched, some of the fibers are elongated and some remain at rest (see section What Happens When You Stretch). During an isometric contraction, some of the resting fibers are being pulled upon from both ends by the muscles that are contracting. The result is that some of those resting fibers stretch! Normally, the handful of fibers that stretch during an isometric contraction are not very significant. The true effectiveness of the isometric contraction occurs when a muscle that is already in a stretched position is subjected to an isometric contraction. In this case, some of the muscle fibers are already stretched before the contraction, and, if held long enough, the initial passive stretch overcomes the stretch reflex (see section The Stretch Reflex) and triggers the lengthening reaction (see section The Lengthening Reaction), inhibiting the stretched fibers from contracting. At this point, according to SynerStretch, when you isometrically contracted, some resting fibers would contract and some resting fibers would stretch. Furthermore, many of the fibers already stretching may be prevented from contracting by the inverse myotatic reflex (the lengthening reaction) and would stretch even more. When the isometric contraction is completed, the contracting fibers return to their resting length but the stretched fibers would remember their stretched length and (for a period of time) retain the ability to elongate past their previous limit. This enables the entire muscle to stretch beyonds its initial maximum and results in increased flexibility. The reason that the stretched fibers develop and retain the ability to stretch beyond their normal limit during an isometric stretch has to do with the muscle spindles (see section Proprioceptors): The signal which tells the muscle to contract voluntarily, also tells the muscle spindle's (intrafusal) muscle fibers to shorten, increasing sensitivity of the stretch reflex. This mechanism normally maintains the sensitivity of the muscle spindle as the muscle shortens during contraction. This allows the muscle spindles to habituate (become accustomed) to an even further-lengthened position. PNF Stretching Isometric Stretching: (previous section) Types of Stretching: (beginning of chapter) PNF stretching is currently the fastest and most effective way known to increase static-passive flexibility. PNF is an acronym for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. It is not really a type of stretching but is a technique of combining passive stretching (see section Passive Stretching) and isometric stretching (see section Isometric Stretching) in order to achieve maximum static flexibility. Actually, the term PNF stretching is itself a misnomer. PNF was initially developed as a method of rehabilitating stroke victims. PNF refers to any of several post-isometric relaxation stretching techniques in which a muscle group is passively stretched, then contracts isometrically against resistance while in the stretched position, and then is passively stretched again through the resulting increased range of motion. PNF stretching usually employs the use of a partner to provide resistance against the isometric contraction and then later to passively take the joint through its increased range of motion. It may be performed, however, without a partner, although it is usually more effective with a partner's assistance. Most PNF stretching techniques employ isometric agonist contraction/relaxation where the stretched muscles are contracted isometrically and then relaxed. Some PNF techniques also employ isometric antagonist contraction where the antagonists of the stretched muscles are contracted. In all cases, it is important to note that the stretched muscle should be rested (and relaxed) for at least 20 seconds before performing another PNF technique. The most common PNF stretching techniques are: the hold-relax This technique is also called the contract-relax. After assuming an initial passive stretch, the muscle being stretched is isometrically contracted for 7-15 seconds, after which the muscle is briefly relaxed for 2-3 seconds, and then immediately subjected to a passive stretch which stretches the muscle even further than the initial passive stretch. This final passive stretch is held for 10-15 seconds. The muscle is then relaxed for 20 seconds before performing another PNF technique. the hold-relax-contract This technique is also called the contract-relax-contract, and the contract-relax-antagonist-contract (or CRAC). It involves performing two isometric contractions: first of the agonists, then, of the antagonists. The first part is similar to the hold-relax where, after assuming an initial passive stretch, the stretched muscle is isometrically contracted for 7-15 seconds. Then the muscle is relaxed while its antagonist immediately performs an isometric contraction that is held for 7-15 seconds. The muscles are then relaxed for 20 seconds before performing another PNF technique. the hold-relax-swing This technique (and a similar technique called the hold-relax-bounce) actually involves the use of dynamic or ballistic stretches in conjunction with static and isometric stretches. It is very risky, and is successfully used only by the most advanced of athletes and dancers that have managed to achieve a high level of control over their muscle stretch reflex (see section The Stretch Reflex). It is similar to the hold-relax technique except that a dynamic or ballistic stretch is employed in place of the final passive stretch. Notice that in the hold-relax-contract, there is no final passive stretch. It is replaced by the antagonist-contraction which, via reciprocal inhibition (see section Reciprocal Inhibition), serves to relax and further stretch the muscle that was subjected to the initial passive stretch. Because there is no final passive stretch, this PNF technique is considered one of the safest PNF techniques to perform (it is less likely to result in torn muscle tissue). Some people like to make the technique even more intense by adding the final passive stretch after the second isometric contraction. Although this can result in greater flexibility gains, it also increases the likelihood of injury. Even more risky are dynamic and ballistic PNF stretching techniques like the hold-relax-swing, and the hold-relax-bounce. If you are not a professional athlete or dancer, you probably have no business attempting either of these techniques (the likelihood of injury is just too great). Even professionals should not attempt these techniques without the guidance of a professional coach or training advisor. These two techniques have the greatest potential for rapid flexibility gains, but only when performed by people who have a sufficiently high level of control of the stretch reflex in the muscles that are being stretched. Like isometric stretching (see section Isometric Stretching), PNF stretching is also not recommended for children and people whose bones are still growing (for the same reasons. Also like isometric stretching, PNF stretching helps strengthen the muscles that are contracted and therefore is good for increasing active flexibility as well as passive flexibility. Furthermore, as with isometric stretching, PNF stretching is very strenuous and should be performed for a given muscle group no more than once per day (ideally, no more than once per 36 hour period). The initial recommended procedure for PNF stretching is to perform the desired PNF technique 3-5 times for a given muscle group (resting 20 seconds between each repetition). However, HFLTA cites a 1987 study whose results suggest that performing 3-5 repetitions of a PNF technique for a given muscle group is not necessarily any more effective than performing the technique only once. As a result, in order to decrease the amount of time taken up by your stretching routine (without decreasing its effectiveness), HFLTA recommends performing only one PNF technique per muscle group stretched in a given stretching session. How PNF Stretching Works How PNF Stretching Works PNF Stretching: (beginning of section) Remember that during an isometric stretch, when the muscle performing the isometric contraction is relaxed, it retains its ability to stretch beyond its initial maximum length (see section How Isometric Stretching Works). Well, PNF tries to take immediate advantage of this increased range of motion by immediately subjecting the contracted muscle to a passive stretch. The isometric contraction of the stretched muscle accomplishes several things: As explained previously (see section How Isometric Stretching Works), it helps to train the stretch receptors of the muscle spindle to immediately accommodate a greater muscle length. The intense muscle contraction, and the fact that it is maintained for a period of time, serves to fatigue many of the fast-twitch fibers of the contracting muscles (see section Fast and Slow Muscle Fibers). This makes it harder for the fatigued muscle fibers to contract in resistance to a subsequent stretch (see section The Stretch Reflex). The tension generated by the contraction activates the golgi tendon organ (see section Proprioceptors), which inhibits contraction of the muscle via the lengthening reaction (see section The Lengthening Reaction). Voluntary contraction during a stretch increases tension on the muscle, activating the golgi tendon organs more than the stretch alone. So, when the voluntary contraction is stopped, the muscle is even more inhibited from contracting against a subsequent stretch. PNF stretching techniques take advantage of the sudden "vulnerability" of the muscle and its increased range of motion by using the period of time immediately following the isometric contraction to train the stretch receptors to get used to this new, increased, range of muscle length. This is what the final passive (or in some cases, dynamic) stretch accomplishes. Go to the previous, next chapter.

11. What Are the 5 Health-Related Components of Physical Fitness?

• May 23, 2022 · Flexibility: the ability to move muscles and joints through a full range of motion. Body composition: your body's ratio of fat mass to fat ...

• Fitness and health can be hard to define. This article explores the five health-related components of fitness and how to include them in your workout routine.

12. 5 Joint Mobility Exercises to Improve Flexibility and Function - Healthline

• Flexibility is the ability of your joints to move through their full range of motion without pain or stiffness. It also refers to the pliability of the ...

• If you exercise regularly but want to improve performance and reduce pain, try mobility exercises. Here are five moves to add to your workout routine.

13. Flexibility The ability to move a joint through normal range of motion ...

• 1 Flexibility The ability to move a joint through normal range of motion(ROM). · 2 What is range of motion? · 3 THE ENTIRE MOVEMENT THROUGH WHICH A BODY PART CAN ...

• What is range of motion?

14. Flexibility Training: Health and Fitness Benefits - Verywell Fit

• Jun 2, 2022 · Flexibility allows your body to move through a range of motion. Good flexibility can improve range of motion and allow for better, more ...

• Flexibility protects and strengthens the body for improved posture, balance, and fitness. Learn how to build flexibility with regular training.

15. What is Range of Motion and How Does it Improve Your Workouts?

• Feb 22, 2022 · So when you are stretching or moving a body part, such as a muscle or joint, your range of motion is how far you can move it. These measurements ...

• A limited range of motion can interfere with your training results and daily activities. Improving it can be done through mobility work. Here's how.

16. Range of Motion | ROM Definition, Types & Exercises - Study.com

• Mar 29, 2022 · Range of motion (ROM) is characterized by the capability of a joint or body part to undergo its complete spectrum of movements. It is the ...

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17. What is Range of Motion: Why It Matters & How to Increase It

• Range of motion may be active, passive, or active-assistive. Active range of motion (AROM) – you actively use your muscles to move a body part, contracting and ...

• We offer a better understanding of what range of motion is, why it’s so important and how physical therapy can help you increase it.

18. The ability of a joint and a muscle group to move through a full range ...

• Aug 16, 2017 · BTW the ability to move a joint and muscle group is the property of flexiblity. There are two types of flexibility, one involves movement of a ...

• The ability of a joint and a muscle group to move through a full range motion is referred to as muscular endurance

19. How to Get Started With Mobility & Flexibility | Seriously Strong Training

• Flexibility describes a muscle's ability to move through a total range of motion (ROM), with or without control. A classic example of this is doing a ...

• If you find yourself sitting a lot at your desk or lounging on the couch bingeing your favorite Netflix show your posture is probably suffering. Maybe you

20. Free Health & Social Care Flashcards about health - Study Stack

• chapter 4 ; the ability of the muscles to preform physical tasks over a period of time without becoming fatigued, muscle endurance ; the ability to move a body ...

• Study free Health & Social Care flashcards about health created by madie56 to improve your grades. Matching game, word search puzzle, and hangman also available.

21. 6 Simple Ways to Increase Your Flexibility - HSS

• Jun 9, 2022 · The ability to move your joints through their full range of motion allows you to perform basic movements using proper form, which in turn ...

• Follow this advice from an exercise physiologist if you want to increase your flexibility.

22. Difference Between Passive Range of Motion and Active Range ... - WebMD

• Oct 25, 2021 · Range of motion (ROM) refers to how far you can move or stretch a part of your body, such as a joint or a muscle. It's different for each of ...

• Find out the differences between exercises for active range of motion and those for passive range of motion, and discover their benefits and risks and how they may affect your health.