Chapter 5

Isn't stretching just for competitive sports?

Developing Flexibility

Flexibility The ability of a joint to move freely

through its full range of motion. Crazy Flexibility – video of abnormal

flexibility Not what we is meant by full range of

motion.

Factors Affecting FlexibilityAnatomical (Structural) Factors

Shape of bones Connective tissue – ligaments &

cartilage (joint capsule) (47%) Muscle (41%) Tendons (10%) Skin (2%)

*As you can see the muscles are a major factor in your flexibility and you can drastically change their ability to stretch more. Ligaments and cartilage should not change in structure.

Stretch Reflex – Knee Tap Involuntary contraction of a muscle due

to rapid stretching of that muscle. So that’s why my leg jerks when the Dr.

taps my knee. Helps prevent muscle and tendon

damage. The reason muscle stretching must last

long enough for the stretch reflex to release.

Benefits of Flexibility1. Healthy joints - Keeps joints lubricated.2. Enhanced ability to move freely and easily -

enhancing athletic performance.3. Stretching during warm-up decreases the risk

of injury.4. Reversal of age-related decline in flexibility.5. Improved posture and appearance.6. Helps prevent lower back problems.7. It feels good.

Preventing Lower Back Pain1. See Figure 2 and Table 1 (pg. 114) 2. Guide to why strong and flexible muscles in

the hip/lower back region will help decrease the changes of lower back pain.

Preventing Poor Posture1. Review this section.2. Lock at Laboratory 1 to evaluate your posture.

Evaluating Flexibility Is not joint specific. Flexibility is muscle specific. You are trying to improve/test the flexibility in a

muscle. Example; your right shoulder may have more range of motion than your left shoulder because those muscles are more flexible.

1. Sit & Reach Test2. Running Flexibility Test3. Shoulder Flexibility Test These are just a few of the Self Tests that are

available.

Designing a Flexibility Program Evaluate your flexibility so you can set goals. Dynamic, ballistic, static, or PNF.Dynamic and Ballistic Stretching

Range of motion that is achieved through moving a limb to its limits in a quick fashion.

Associated with increased muscle soreness and the stretch reflex.

Used more in athletic competition. Not recommended for personal fitness programs due to risk of injury.

Static Stretching Range of motion that is achieved through

slow controlled stretching. Most commonly used and recommended

type.

PNF Stretching or PNF: Partner-Assisted Stretching Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) uses

the nervous and muscular systems to facilitate stretching.

PNF utilizes the inverse stretch reflex to relax the target muscle.

PNF stretch: perform a 10-30 second static stretch, then contract the muscle for 6 seconds to produce fatigue, and then relax while a partner stretches your limb for 10-30 seconds.

For safety be sensitive to your partner’s needs and flexibility level.

Guidelines of Flexibility Development Frequency – 2 to 3 days a week (up to 7

days if possible). Intensity – slightly beyond the normal

range of motion to the point of tension. Time – 10 to 30 second static hold, 10 –

30 minutes each session. Repetitions – at least 4 sustained

stretches for each muscle group. Stretch 1 Stretch 2 Stretch 3 & 4

Tips for Developing Flexibility Warm up before stretching After warm-up, stretch to prepare for activity Stretch for flexibility during cool-down Stop at the point of tension, not pain Stretch slowly and evenly Try to consciously relax Maintain regular breathing Don’t bounce Strive for muscle balance.

Take Action

Incorporate stretching before and after exercising.

While studying or reading the morning paper, sit on the floor and stretch.

While on the phone, stand and stretch. If you have a desk job, take a 5-minute stretch

break every hour. After every hour of computer use, take a 5-

minute stretch break. While watching TV, stretch during

commercials.