Functional Assessments Flashcards
factors that contribute to flexibility
1) age
2) gender
3) joint structure
4) past injury
5) tissue temperature
6) circadian variations
T/F: Females are more flexible than males.
True
The increased hydration of intervertebral disks during sleep, and the subsequent swelling of the disks upon waking, has 3 significant implications for flexibility in the lumbar spine
1) swelling accounts for the increased stiffness in the spine during lumbar flexion upon waking
2) lumbar disks and ligaments are at greater risk for injury in the early morning
3) range of motion increases later in the day
the principle stating that the activation of a GTO inhibits a muscle spindle response
autogenic inhibition
the lengthening of tissue that occurs when a stretch force is applied
creep
possible reasons for the increase in range of motion after an acute static-stretching session
1) creep
2) reductions in tension (stress-relaxation response)
the principle stating that activation of a muscle on one side of a joint (agonist) coincides with the neural inhibition of the opposing muscle on the other side of the joint (antagonist) to facilitate movement
reciprocal inhibition
T/F: An example of reciprocal inhibition is when the gluteus maximus is activated for 6-15 seconds, this reciprocally inhibits the hip flexors temporarily, allowing the hip flexors to be stretched.
True
stretch performed by moving the joints to place the targeted muscle group in an end-range position and holding that position for up to 30 seconds
static stretching
a reflexive muscle contraction that occurs in response to rapid stretching of the muscle
stretch reflex
stretch that occurs when the individual applies added force to increase the intensity of the stretch
active stretch
stretch that occurs when a partner or assistive device provides added force for the stretch
passive stretch
a method of promoting the response of neuromuscular mechanisms through the stimulation of proprioceptors in an attempt to gain more stretch in a muscle; often referred to as a contract/relax method of stretching
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
3 basic types of PNF stretching techniques
1) hold-relax
2) contract-relax
3) hold-relax with agonist contraction
An individual holds and resists the force provided by a partner so that an isometric contraction occurs for 6 seconds in the muscle group targeted for the stretch. The individual then relaxes the muscle group and allows for a passive stretch force from the partner (held for 30 seconds) to increase range of motion in the muscle group that was previously in isometric contraction.
hold-relax stretch technique
An individual pushes against the force provided by the partner so that a concentric contraction occurs throughout the full range of motion of the muscle group targeted for the stretch.
contract-relax stretch technique
identical to the hold-relax technique except that a concentric action of the opposing muscle group is added during the final passive stretch to add to the stretch force
hold-relax with agonist contraction
stretch that mimics a movement pattern to be used in the upcoming workout or sporting event
dynamic stretch
stretch that incorporates bouncing-type movements
ballistic stretch
This stretch is never held for more than two seconds. The stretch is then released, the body segment returned to the starting position, and the stretch is repeated for several repetitions, with each subsequent movement exceeding the resistance point by a few degrees.
active isolated stretching (AIS)
T/F: Proponents of AIS claim that this technique targets specific muscles and prepares the body for physical activity better than static stretching can, while also protecting the joint attachments that static stretching can sometimes weaken.
True
technique that applies pressure to tight, restricted areas of fascia and underlying muscle in an attempt to relieve tension and improve flexibility
myofascial release
a densely woven, specialized system of connective tissue that covers and unites all of the body’s compartments
fascia
purpose of fascia
to surround and support the bodily structure, which provides stability as well as a cohesive direction for the line of pull of muscle groups
natural configuration of fascia
relaxed and wavy
3 reasons fascia can lose its pliability
physical trauma, scarring, and inflammation
T/F: Myofascial release reduces hypertonicity within the muscles.
True
a change in the shape of tissue as a result of being subjected to an external force
deformation
3 factors that determine the extent of deformation of tissue
1) type of tissue
2) amount of force applied
3) temperature of the tissue
T/F: One of the major determinants in long-term adaptations in flexibility is the collagen found in connective tissues.
True