Chapter 10 : assessing flexibility Flashcards
T or F: flexibility is important but often neglected
TRUE
Flexibility & joint stability are highly dependent on: (3)
Joint structure
Strenght & number of muscles spanning the joint
Strenght & number of ligaments spanning the joint
is the ability of a joint, or series of joints, to move through a full ROM without injury
Flexibility
is a measure of the total ROM at the joint & is limited by the extensibility of the musculotendinous unit.
Static flexibility
is a measure of the rate of torque or resistance developed during stretching throughout the ROM
Dynamic flexibility
Joint range of motion depends on morphological factors such as: (5)
Joint geometry (structure) Joint capsule Ligaments Tendons Muscles
Gliding = ?
nonaxial
Hinge = ?
Uniaxial
Pivot = ?
Uniaxial
Condyloid & saddle = ?
Biaxial
Ball & socket = ?
Triaxial
What are the soft tissue structures that limit flexibility? (4)
Joint capsule (47%) Muscle and its fascia (41%) Tendons & ligaments (10%) Skin (2%)
Composed predominantly of a nonelastic connective tissue called collagen
Joint capsule & ligaments
Composed of an elastic connective tissue called elastin + most important structures in terms of reducing resistance to movement & increasing dynamic flexibility
Muscle and its fascia
T or F: In the muscle-tendon unit, the tension within this unit affects both static flexibility & dynamic flexibility
TRUE
Abreviation for Muscle-Tendon Unit
MTU
Elastic deformation of the MTU is proportional to ??
Load or tension applied during stretching
Viscous deformation of the MTU is proportional to ??
The speed at which the tension is applied during stretching
During fixed length static stretching, the tension within the MTU _______ over time, which is called ____ ____ ____
Decreases
Viscoelastic stress relaxation
A single static stretch sustained for 90s produces a ___ increase in viscoelastic stress relaxation & ____ muscle stiffness for up to 1 hour.
30%
decreases
Factors affecting flexibility (6)
Body type age gender (Sex) physical activity level warm-up amount of stretching & flexibility training
Name the 2 body types that will score poorly on ROM tests
Bodybuilders
Obese individuals
T or F: age decreases muscle stiffness, higher stretch tolerance
False
increase, lower
Generally, ___ are more flexible than ____ at all ages
Females, males
This gender-related flexibility difference is attributed to (2):
Gender differences in pelvis structure & hormones that may affect connective tissue laxity
What may restrict ROM because of the tightening & shortening of muscle tissue?
Habitual movement pattern
T or F: lack of physical flexibility is a major cause of inflexibility
TRUE
What is disuse
Due to lack of PA or immobilization, produces shortening of the muscles & connective tissues
Warm up alone ____ increase ROM
does not
* active warm up + static or dynamic stretching is more effective
Often observed in certain athletes (gymnasts), leads to joint laxity or instability, may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries
Hypermobility
Name the 2 methods of measuring static flexibility
Direct
Indirect
Examples of direct methods (see p.24-30)
Goniometer
Electrogoniometer
Flexometer
Inclinometer
Examples of indirect methods
Sit-and-reach tests
Modified Schober
Skin distraction test
T or F: Flexometer is easier to use than the inclinometer & universal goniometer
False, inclinometer is easier
Because held by hand + doesn’t have to be aligned with specific bony landmarks
The validity & reliability of devices such as goniometers & inclinometers that measure ROM directly are highly dependent on: (2)
the joint being measured
technician skill
What is considered the best reference method for establishing the validity of goniometric measurements?
Radiography
The intratester and intertester reliabilities of goniometric measurements are affected by: (2)
Difficulty in identifying the axis of rotation
Palpating bony landmarks
Measurements of upper extremity joints is generally __ reliable than ROM measurements of lower extremity joints
More
Intertester reliability of inclinometer measurements is variable & joint specific to: (2)
Lumbar extension
Subtalar joint
Knowledge & skills required to obtain accurate & reliable ROM measurements (3)
Knowledge of anatomy
Knowledge of standardized testing procedures
Training & practice
T or F: There is a belief that lack of flexibility is associated with low back pain & musculoskeletal injuries
True
Sit-and-reach test
read p.36-48
Name the 2 measures of flexibility for older adults
Chair Sit-and-reach test
Back Scratch test
Assesses lower body (hamstring) flexibility
Chair Sit-and-reach test
Assesses upper body (shoulder joint) flexibility
Back scratch test
Increases the risk of developing low back pain
Lumbar instability
Name the primary muscle groups responsible for stabilizing the lumbar spine (3)
Trunk extensors (erector spinae) Trunk flexors (abs) Lateral flexors (quadratus lumborum)
Measures isometric endurance of trunk extensors
Sorensen Test
Measures isometric endurance of trunk flexors
V-sit Test
Measures isometric endurance of lateral flexors
Side bridge test
