Flexibility (anatomy)

Flexibility (anatomy)

Flexibility (anatomy) refers to the range of movement in a joint or series of joints, and length in muscles that cross the joints to induce a bending movement or motion. Flexibility varies between individuals, particularly in terms of differences in muscle length of multi-joint muscles. Flexibility in some joints can be increased to a certain degree by exercise, with stretching a common exercise component to maintain or improve flexibility.

Types of Flexibility and Stretching

1. Dynamic flexibility: This refers to the ability to perform dynamic movements within the full range of motion in the joint. Cockroach climbing and gymnastics are two examples of activities that require dynamic flexibility.

2. Static-active flexibility: This is the ability to stretch an antagonist muscle using only the tension in the agonist muscle. An example is holding one leg out in front of you as high as possible.

3. Static-passive flexibility: This is the ability to hold a stretch using body weight or some other external force. Using the floor to stretch your hamstrings or asking a partner to push your arms above your head to stretch your pecs are examples of static-passive flexibility.

Factors Affecting Flexibility

Flexibility is affected by a number of factors including joint structure, ligaments, tendons, muscles, skin, tissue injury, fat (or adipose) tissue, body temperature, age and sex. Some individual body types are more flexible than others due to the structure of the bones and the joints they form.

Improving Flexibility

Flexibility can be improved through flexibility training which includes stretching exercises. These exercises should be performed regularly and should involve all major muscle groups, holding each stretch for 30 seconds to a minute.

See Also

• Joint
• Muscle
• Stretching
• Flexibility training