Chapter 5 Flexibility

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to flexibility from Chapter 5.

Flexibility

The ability of a joint or series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain-free range of motion.

Antagonist

A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle.

Ligaments

Tissues that connect bone to bone and help stabilize joints.

Synovial Fluid

A viscous fluid found in synovial joints, which reduces friction and provides nourishment.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in joints, which provides cushioning and support.

Muscle Spindles

Sensory receptors located in muscles that primarily detect changes in the length of the muscle.

Golgi Tendon Organ

Sensory receptors found in tendons detect tension changes.

Hypokinetic Disease

Diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles, leading to reductions in physical movement.

Sit-and-Reach Test

A common measure of flexibility used to assess the flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings.

Dynamic Stretching

A stretching technique that involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both.

Ballistic Stretching

A type of stretching that involves bouncing movements to push the body part beyond its normal range of motion.

Static Stretching

A stretching method where a muscle is gradually stretched to its farthest point and held in that position.

Principle of Specificity

The concept that training adaptations are specific to the type and intensity of the exercise performed.

Principle of Reversibility

The principle stating that fitness gains can be lost if training stops or decreases.

Principle of Progression

The concept that to improve fitness, the volume and intensity of exercise must gradually increase.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation

Series of movements that combines stretching with alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles