Enhancing flexibility by the means of stretching is an effective preparatory activity that is implemented by numerous athletes throughout the world to enhance their physical performance. Flexibility is defined as the range of motion around a specific joint or a group of joints and is further subdivided into static flexibility and dynamic flexibility. A flexible musculature aids in preventing injuries to the musculoskeletal system of the body. Static flexibility is defined as the degree to which a joint can be passively moved to the end points in the range of motion. Dynamic flexibility refers to the degree to which a joint can be moved by active contraction of the muscles. The stretching is divided into three basic categories: ballistic stretching- it makes use of repetitive bouncing movements, static stretching- in this technique the muscle is stretched to the end point of range of motion available and is held there for an extended period, proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching- it utilizes alternating contractions and stretching of the muscles. Every stretching method is based upon the neurophysiological phenomenon involving the stretch reflex. The muscle spindle and golgi organs of the tendon are special receptors that are extremely sensitive to changes in muscle length and tension subjected to the musculoskeletal system; these special receptors are activated mainly under the influence of stretching. As ballistic, static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques produces different responses from stretch reflex, the effectiveness of these different stretching maneuvers varies up to a certain extend. Various studies conducted upon the effectiveness of various stretching techniques have produced contradictory results. However, the information upon the topic suggests that the use of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is considered best in attaining flexibility.
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