Flexibility, Balance, Speed & Agility, Plyometrics Flashcards
Factors affecting flexibility
Joint structure
Soft tissue tightness
Body composition
Age
Sex
Physical activity levels
Muscle temperature
Overload of flexibility
Stretch beyond resting length but NOT beyond pain-free ROM
Static stretching
Slow, sustained muscle lengthening
Constant angle and torque
Not recommended before power and speed activities
Dynamic stretching
Moves joints/muscles through larger ROM
Warms muscles up for exercise
Static flexibility testing
Direct and indirect measures of ROM
More practical
Dynamic flexibility testing
Impractical; lab test
Direct measure of static flexibility
Goniometer
Importance of balance
Component of functional fitness for older adults
Benefits of balance training
Prevent falls
Perform ADLs
Maintain functional independence
Athletes: reduce ankle sprains
Types of balance
Static
Dynamic
Reactive
Functional
Factors affecting balance
Height of center of gravity
Base of support and foot size
Gender?
Physical activity and balance training
Factors contributing to falling
Extrinsic factors (lighting, obstacles, etc)
Physiological factors
-muscle weakness and loss of muscular power
-gait
-balance disorders
Physiology of PNF stretching
Autogenic inhibition
Reciprocal inhibition
Viscoelastic stress relaxation
Gate control theory
Advantages and limitations of PNF stretching
Advantages: potentially more effective (greater increase in ROM)
Limitations: Requires partner with knowledge of technique
Overstretching can cause injury
Passive stretching
Targeted muscle does not contract
Viscoelastic relaxation
Active stretching
Lengthened muscle contracts during stretch
Muscle length increased (stimulates sarcomere production)
Developing lumbar stability
Bracing: static muscle action of abs and low back
Maintain neutral spine during activity
Avoid end ROM of trunk during exercise
Emphasize muscular endurance rather than strength
Strategies for developing core stability
Lifting: ground-based free weights
Resistance exercises on unstable surfaces
Pilates
Recommendations for balance training
F: 2-3 days/wk
P: to narrow base of support/change surface
Include dynamic movements and displace center of mass
Exercise duration: 20-40 sec
3-8 sets
Young adults: 11-15 min
Older adults: 31-45 min
Program length: ≥12 weeks
Speed
high movement velocities
change of direction
change movement direction, velocities, or modes
agility
change direction, velocity, or mode in response to a stimulus
Rate of force development
development of maximal force in minimal time
Impulse
change in momentum resulting from a force