Chapter 15 – Flexibility Flashcards
Range of motion
The full movement potential of a joint measured by linear or angular distance between two limits.
Flexibility
The range of motion in a joint achieved in a single direction.
Mobility
The range of motion achieved during multi-joint actions in which several groups of connective tissue structures interplay to effect movement.
Functional range
Minimum range of motion necessary to comfortably and effectively perform activities of daily living.
Hypermobility
Movement capacity of a joint beyond the normal range of motion; often compromises joint stability.
Elasticity
The property that allows stretched tissue to return to its original, or pre-stretched, form is referred to as the tissue’s elasticity.
Plasticity
Plasticity is the property of a tissue to become permanently deformed, or to attain a new length after being stretched.
Viscosity
variable fluid resistance
Extensibility
The capability of a muscle to be stretched based on the limitations of the tissue’s structure.
Ballistic stretching
Achievement of maximal range of motion using the momentum of a moving body or limb.
Autogenic inhibition
The reduction in excitability of a muscle upon the development of high tension
Reciprocal inhibition
Relaxation of musculature on one side of a joint to accommodate a contraction of opposing musculature.
Nociceptors
Sensory receptors that respond to potentially damaging stimuli and relay a message to higher brain centers, promoting the feeling of pain.
Bursitis
The painful inflammation or irritation of the bursa
Tendonitis
Describes inflammation, swelling, and irritation of a tendon, a painful condition
felt most at the tendon insertion site.
Impingement syndromes
These involve painful entrapments of a tendon between the bony aspects of a joint.
Osteophytes
Bony outgrowths, or spurs, associated with the degeneration of cartilage at a joint.
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative disorder of aging that can affect any joint; it is most commonly diagnosed in the hips, knees, toes, and spine and is often associated with previous injury
Rheumatoid arthritis
An inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Its symptoms are generally caused by a person’s immune system attacking his or her joints, resulting in inflammation.
Gout
A form of arthritis that primarily affects older males. It appears very quickly, often overnight, causing intense swelling and pain.
Stretch reflex
A reflexive contraction of a muscle induced by rapid stretch
Static Stretching
The basic protocol requires a person to lengthen the tissue in a slow, controlled manner to its terminal ROM and then hold the static position attained.
Active-Assisted Stretching
Active-assisted stretching utilizes the same basic premise as the static stretch, but it employs added force to increase the attainable range.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
Basically a hybrid between static and dynamic flexibility because it utilizes different aspects from each protocol. The technique is widely used in clinical settings for rehabilitation of injuries but has gained popularity among fitness professionals due to its marked effects. PNF stretching is generally employed using a partner.
Dynamic flexibility
The act of briefly achieving full range of motion through controlled muscle contraction
