Warm Up and Cool Down

Question 1

What are the physiological benefits of a cool down? (6)

Answer 1

• reduced heart and breathing rates back to baseline levels
• gradually cool down body and muscular temperature
• return muscles back to their optimal length-tension relationship
• prevent venous pooling of blood in the lower extremities
• restore physiological systems back close to their baseline
• reduce lactic acid buildup -> reduced risk of muscle cramps

Question 2

what are the physiological benefits of a warm up? (4)

Answer 2

• decreases risk of muscle strain by increasing intra-muscular temperature which leads to increase in soft tissue extensibility
• decreases force and time required to stretch muscles
• increases blood flow to soft tissue structures and cells
• increase muscle relaxation during stretching -> increase GTO firing, decrease spindle firing

Question 3

what types of warm-up are given to patients ? (3)

Answer 3

• heat packs
• low intensity exercises (walking, marching, jogging slowly)
• dynamic stretches (butt kicks, walking lunges, leg lifts/kicks)

Question 4

when are heat packs given to patients as a warm up?

Answer 4

if patients have balance problems/has trouble moving

Question 5

what are methods of cooling down? (2)

Answer 5

static stretches, walking/marching

Question 6

what are the benefits of dynamic stretching

Answer 6

• increases athletic performance for a short period of time