Chapter 15 – Flexibility

Question 1

Range of motion

Answer 1

The full movement potential of a joint measured by linear or angular distance between two limits.

Question 2

Flexibility

Answer 2

The range of motion in a joint achieved in a single direction.

Question 3

Mobility

Answer 3

The range of motion achieved during multi-joint actions in which several groups of connective tissue structures interplay to effect movement.

Question 4

Functional range

Answer 4

Minimum range of motion necessary to comfortably and effectively perform activities of daily living.

Question 5

Hypermobility

Answer 5

Movement capacity of a joint beyond the normal range of motion; often compromises joint stability.

Question 6

Elasticity

Answer 6

The property that allows stretched tissue to return to its original, or pre-stretched, form is referred to as the tissue’s elasticity.

Question 7

Plasticity

Answer 7

Plasticity is the property of a tissue to become permanently deformed, or to attain a new length after being stretched.

Question 8

Viscosity

Answer 8

variable fluid resistance

Question 9

Extensibility

Answer 9

The capability of a muscle to be stretched based on the limitations of the tissue’s structure.

Question 10

Ballistic stretching

Answer 10

Achievement of maximal range of motion using the momentum of a moving body or limb.

Question 11

Autogenic inhibition

Answer 11

The reduction in excitability of a muscle upon the development of high tension

Question 12

Reciprocal inhibition

Answer 12

Relaxation of musculature on one side of a joint to accommodate a contraction of opposing musculature.

Question 13

Nociceptors

Answer 13

Sensory receptors that respond to potentially damaging stimuli and relay a message to higher brain centers, promoting the feeling of pain.

Question 14

Bursitis

Answer 14

The painful inflammation or irritation of the bursa

Question 15

Tendonitis

Answer 15

Describes inflammation, swelling, and irritation of a tendon, a painful condition
felt most at the tendon insertion site.

Question 16

Impingement syndromes

Answer 16

These involve painful entrapments of a tendon between the bony aspects of a joint.

Question 17

Osteophytes

Answer 17

Bony outgrowths, or spurs, associated with the degeneration of cartilage at a joint.

Question 18

Osteoarthritis

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Gout

Answer 20

A form of arthritis that primarily affects older males. It appears very quickly, often overnight, causing intense swelling and pain.

Question 21

Stretch reflex

Answer 21

A reflexive contraction of a muscle induced by rapid stretch

Question 22

Static Stretching

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Active-Assisted Stretching

Answer 23

Active-assisted stretching utilizes the same basic premise as the static stretch, but it employs added force to increase the attainable range.

Question 24

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Dynamic flexibility

Answer 25

The act of briefly achieving full range of motion through controlled muscle contraction