Flexibility is defined as what?

Flexibility is defined as what?

• A. Time between presentation of stimulus and onset of movement
• B. Range of movement at a joint
• C. A measure of cardiovascular fitness
• D. Ex: gymnastics, high jump, badminton

Answer: (B)

Flexibility is the range of movement at a joint, i.e., how far a joint can move through its normal movements. This depends on how long and elastic the muscles and tendons are, the laxity of ligaments and the joint capsule, and the structure of the joint itself. Regular stretching can increase this range by making soft tissues more extensible, and flexibility is often tested by how far a joint can move (for example, reaching a certain distance in a sit-and-reach test). It isn’t about how quickly you respond to a signal, which is reaction time, nor about how efficient your heart and lungs are, which is cardiovascular fitness. And while activities like gymnastics or badminton often require good flexibility, they are examples of activities rather than the definition of flexibility.

Flexibility is the range of movement at a joint, i.e., how far a joint can move through its normal movements. This depends on how long and elastic the muscles and tendons are, the laxity of ligaments and the joint capsule, and the structure of the joint itself. Regular stretching can increase this range by making soft tissues more extensible, and flexibility is often tested by how far a joint can move (for example, reaching a certain distance in a sit-and-reach test). It isn’t about how quickly you respond to a signal, which is reaction time, nor about how efficient your heart and lungs are, which is cardiovascular fitness. And while activities like gymnastics or badminton often require good flexibility, they are examples of activities rather than the definition of flexibility.