Chapter 12 Flexibility

Chapter Objectives After completing this chapter, you should be able to 1. Define and measure flexibility. 2. State why flexibility should be measured. 3. Describe the difference between relative and absolute flexibility tests. 4. State the guidelines that should be followed in the administration of flexibility tests. 5. Describe responsibilities after the measurement of flexibility and prescribe activities to improve flexibility.

Flexibility Flexibility is the ability to move the body joints through a maximum range of motion without undue strain. *Not a general factor; specific to given joints and to particular sports or physical activities. Flexion – joint angle is decreased Extension – joint angle is increased

Flexibility Flexibility depends on the soft tissues of joints (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) of a joint than on the bony structure of the joint itself. Bony structures of certain joints do place limitations on flexibility, however.

Flexibility Flexibility also related to: body size (body fat) age gender physical activity Loss of flexibility in aging process is probably due to failure to maintain an active program of movement. Generally, active individuals are more flexible than inactive individuals (some exceptions, however). Habitual postures and chronic heavy work through restricted ranges of motion can lead to adaptive shortening of muscles.

Why Measure Flexibility? Flexibility important component of health-related fitness; lack of it can create functional problems or disorders. Low back disorders is one of the most prevalent health complaints (second to common cold for visits to doctors). Many low back disorders are caused by poor muscle tone of lower back, poor flexibility of the lower back, and inadequate abdominal muscle tone.

Why Measure Flexibility? Anyone with a stiff spinal column is at a disadvantage in many physical activities; also fails to get full value from shock-absorbing arrangement of spine. Lack of flexibility can be responsible for: bad posture, compression of peripheral nerves, painful menstruation Short muscles also limit work efficiency; also greater risk of injury during physical activity.

Why Measure Flexibility? Individuals with good flexibility have: greater ease of movement less stiffness of muscles enhancement of skill less chance of injury Flexibility tests also can identify individuals with too much flexibility.

Responsibilities after Measurement Appropriate flexibility exercises should be prescribe for individuals with poor flexibility Three stretching techniques can be used to develop flexibility. Static stretching involves slowly moving to a position to stretch the designated muscles and holding the position for a specified length of time (20 to 30 seconds). The stretch for each muscle should be repeated two or three times in each stretching session.

Responsibilities after Measurement Ballistic stretching makes use of repetitive bouncing motions. Not recommended. Force produced by effort to stretch may be greater than the extensibility the muscle can tolerate. Also induces the stretch reflex.

Responsibilities after Measurement Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) involves a combination of alternating contraction and relaxation of both agonist and antagonist muscles. Requires the assistance of a partner. Both static stretching and PNF will improve flexibility, but lack of agreement regarding which technique is superior.

Responsibilities after Measurement Studies have found that athletes who perform a static stretch routine prior to participation in power or explosive type events experience a decrease in performance success. Static exercises described at conclusion of chapter.

Tests of Flexibility Clinical assessment - Leighton Flexometer, the electrogoniometer, and the goniometer; provide rotary measure; degrees of rotation around a 3600 arc Practical tests – provide linear measure; tape measure, yardstick Relative flexibility - test score (movement) compared with the length or width of a specific body part Absolute flexibility - measure only the movement in relation to an absolute performance goal

Pretest Instructions for Test Performers Perform 5 to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise to warm up. Perform slow, sustained static stretching of all joints to be tested. Declare if they have any back problems.

Sit and Reach Tests Sit and reach tests claim to measure lower back flexibility. Better measure hamstring flexibility. Acceptable performance of sit and reach test does not necessarily mean individual will be free of low back pain. Prevention of low back pain involves other factors such as weight and trunk muscular strength and endurance.

Sit and Reach Test objective. To measure flexibility of the lower back and posterior thighs. Age level. Five through adulthood Logical validity; reliability coefficient reported. Figure 12.1 included specifications of the box used for this test. Figure 12.2 illustrates test. Table 12.1 includes norms for ages five through college-age. Other sit and reach tests; always use norms of test you administer.

Figure 12.1 Sit and reach box.

Modified Sit and Reach Individuals with short legs relative to the trunk and arms may have advantage performing previously described sit and reach test; modified test accounts for this potential bias. Test objective. Measure flexibility of lower back and posterior thighs. Age level. Under eighteen through fifty-plus. Logical validity.

Modified Sit and Reach Directions Test performer sits on floor with hips, back, and head against wall, extends legs fully and places feet against the sit-and-reach box. Places the hands one on top of the other and reaches forward as far as possible without letting the head and back come off the wall; shoulders may be rounded. (A yardstick is placed on the box with zero end pointed toward test performer and touching his/her hands. Yardstick is held in place by test administrator.

Modified Sit and Reach Test 3. Gradually reaches forward three times, as yardstick is held firmly in place. Holds third stretch as far as possible for two seconds. Scoring. Two trials administered. Score is number of inches reached to the nearest one- half inch. Norms. Table 12.2 includes norms for ages under 18 through fifty-plus.

Sit and Reach Wall Test Provides a quick estimate of lower back and posterior thigh flexibility. Age level. Junior high through college-age. Logical validity; reliability not reported. Table 12.3 includes norms for high school through college.

Trunk and Neck Extension Test objective. To measure the ability to extend the trunk (relative flexibility). Age level. Six through college-age. Face validity; reliability and objectivity coefficients reported. Figure 12.3 illustrates test. Table 12.4 reports norms for college students.

Trunk Extension Similar to trunk-and-neck extension test, but measures absolute flexibility. Age level. Six through college-age. Face validity; reliability not reported. Figure 12.4 illustrates test. Table 12.4 reports norms for college students.

Trunk Rotation Test Test objective. To measure trunk and shoulder flexibility. Age level. Six through adulthood. Face validity; reliability not reported.

Shoulder and Wrist Elevation Test objective. To measure shoulder and wrist flexibility (relative flexibility). Age level. Six through college-age. Face validity; reliability and objectivity coefficients reported. Table 12.5 reports norms for college students.

Shoulder Lift Similar to the shoulder-and-wrist elevation test, but measures shoulder flexibility only (absolute flexibility). Age level. Six through college-age. Face validity; reliability not reported. Figure 12.5 illustrates test. Table 12.5 reports norms for college students.

Figures 12.6 through 12.13 This figures illustrate observation measures of flexibility. No scores are recorded for these measures. Measures may be used to identify individuals with inadequate flexibility.

Exercises to Develop Flexibility Guidelines for Static Stretching Spend 20 to 30 seconds in a gentile, static stretch with each exercise; perform each exercise two or three times. Increase the extent of the stretch gradually and progressively, with full extension, flexion, or both being placed on the joint.

Exercises to Develop Flexibility Guidelines for Static Stretching (continued) Breathe slowly, rhythmically, and with control. Stretch beyond the normal length of the muscle, but only to the point that a slight stretch pain is felt. Practice regularly; perform the exercises several times each day.

Exercises to Develop Flexibility Flexibility is highly specific to each joint and activity. Flexibility exercises should be performed for each joint in which increased flexibility is desired. Chapter includes descriptions of static stretching exercises for the: neck anterior hip and thigh shoulder and upper chest groin area upper back posterior lower leg lower back foot and ankle trunk posterior hip, upper leg, and lower back