Muscle extensibility lecture

Question 1

What does extensibility mean?

Answer 1

The ability of a muscle to extend to a predetermined endpoint

Question 2

Name the 3 main types of stretching

Answer 2

Ballistic
PNF
Static

Question 3

What is ballistic stretching

Answer 3

Uses quick movements to impose a rapid change in muscle length. Can include ‘bouncing’ and is only really used with athletes and not with patients as they are at a greater risk of injury.

Question 4

What is PNF stretching

Answer 4

Aims to cause muscle relaxation so that the muscle can be stretched.

Question 5

What is static stretching?

Answer 5

Muscle being stretched in a stationary position, at its greatest length, for a specified period of time.

Question 6

What are the 6 principles of stretching?

Answer 6

Patient in a position to allow muscle relaxation e.g. lying down.
Move limb slowly through range to a point of gentle stretching.
Hold for a minimum of 30 seconds
Approx 3 reps
Perform regularly
Elderly - found that most effective if they stretch for only 1 minute

Question 7

Name 5 precautions to stretching

Answer 7

Recent fracture
Osteoporosis
Elderly
Recent prolonged immobilisation
Severe muscle weakness

Question 8

Name 5 contraindications to stretching

Answer 8

Acute inflammation
Local infection
When it will disrupt the healing process or surgical repair
Increases pain
Increases inflammation