Flexibilty Training

Question 1

Explain 4 physiological adaptations as a result of flexibility training

Answer 1

~adap: increased range of motion —> eval: reduced risk of injury
~adap: increased resting length of muscle —> eval: muscle spindles adapt to increased length
~adap: increased elasticity of muscle —> eval: stretch reflex is initiated at greater range of motion
~adap: increased stretch of antagonists —> eval: increased force can be generated

Question 2

EQ. Describe the factors affecting flexibilty that enable the gymnast to person the splits (3 marks)

Answer 2

• younger athletes have a increased range of motion
• taking part in flexibility training helps increase flexibilty
• ball and socket joint which allows a large range of motion

Question 3

EQ. Identify one method of evaluating flexibilty. Describe 2 advantages and one disadvantage of this method (4 marks)

Answer 3

• sit and reach test
• pro: easy
• pro: cheap
• con: only tests hamstring flexibilty

Question 4

EQ. Explain why a javlin thrower would benefit from good shoulder flexibilty (1 mark)

Answer 4

increased range of motion

Question 5

EQ. Flexibility can be evaluated using the sit and reach test or by using a goniometer. Make two
comparisons between these methods of evaluating flexibility. (2 marks )

Answer 5

• both are quick and cheap

- goniometer tests any joint while sit and reach test tests only hamstring flexibility