HK 302 Exam 4

Flexibility

The ability of a musculotendinous unit to elongate with the application of a stretching force.

Range of Motion

The extent of mobility of a joint, influenced by bony and soft-tissue structures.

Collagen

Provides strength and stiffness to tissues, with increased binding enhancing tensile strength and stability.

Elastin

Imparts extensibility to tissues, with higher elastin content correlating to greater flexibility.

Reticulin

A type III collagen fiber crucial for repair post-injury.

Ground Substance

Gel material aiding in reducing friction between collagen and elastin fibers, maintaining fiber spacing, and nutrient transport.

Loose Irregular Connective Tissue

Offers tensile strength and pliability, found in fascia surrounding muscles and nerves.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Highly organized with parallel collagen fibers, resistant to high-tensile loads yet flexible, e.g., tendons and ligaments.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Similar to dense regular CT but with non-parallel fibers, present in joint capsules and aponeuroses.

Effects of Immobilization on Connective Tissue

Immobilization leads to structural changes, including increased collagen cross-links and loss of ground substance, affecting tissue flexibility.

Goniometer

A tool with stationary and movable arms used to measure joint angles and range of motion.

Special Tests

Clinical assessments like the Thomas Test or 90/90 Straight Leg Raise to evaluate muscle tightness or flexibility.

Posture

The alignment of body segments, with good posture minimizing stress on body parts and enhancing efficiency.

Upper Cross Syndrome

Characterized by tight upper trapezius and weak rhomboids, affecting shoulder and neck muscles.

Lower Cross Syndrome

Involves tight rectus femoris and weak rectus abdominis, impacting hip and lower back muscles.

Body Mechanics

Refers to body positioning and movement during activities, influencing the effectiveness of force application.

Gait

The walking pattern consisting of a gait cycle with stance and swing phases, crucial for mobility assessment.

Midstance

All body weight is borne on the limb, and the center of mass is directly over the limb.

Heel-off

Center of mass moves forward of the limb.

Toe-off

The time from when the heel moves off the ground to the point right before the foot loses contact with the ground.

Early Swing

Beginning of the non-weight-bearing phase of stance.

Midswing

Middle of the swing phase as the leg is perpendicular to the ground.

Late Swing

Last section of the non-weight-bearing phase when the limb begins to prepare for weight acceptance and contact with the ground.

Stride length

Distance from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the same foot in one gait cycle.

Step length

Distance from heel strike of one foot to heel strike of the other foot in one gait cycle.

Stride width

Body’s side-to-side movement as weight shifts from one LE to the other; Distance between midline of one foot at midstance and midline of the other foot at midstance.

Angle of progression

Angle formed between the straight line of progression and line bisecting the foot; Measure from heel to the middle of the forefoot, between 2nd and 3rd toes.