V.4.3. The development of joint flexibility

We can say that in the human body the mechanisms governing the basic movements, developed until about 5-6 years, are the same. In this stage of life, typically, the reflex movement structure, function develops. As a result of the consciously directed and performed movements, in the human body such operating mechanisms and functions develop that are essential in performing movements and place the foundation for the adult movement structure.

In childhood, thanks to the appropriate physical activities, the nervous, cardiorespiratory (heart, blood circulatory, respiratory system), muscular, skeletal system and joints develop.

The natural exercises enable the individuals to carry out progressively higher level movements such as crawling, climbing, running, jumping, throwing, ball games etc. Moreover, the role of playgrounds, playhouses is significant in the development of movement skills, such as the strengthening of the knees joint, hip joint and shoulder joint.

The education of the basics and practices of physical education in schools help the development of joint mobility. The increase and expansion of the abilities of joint mobility with the help of preparatory exercises and gymnastic applications can be reached with either passive or active methods as well (Farmosi, 2011).

The development suggests that in girls it is two-phased and in boys is three-phased. The girls perform better in all ages that the boys, the changes in girls are intense between 8-14 years and the second phase it is virtually constant.

With boys, however, moderate changes are observed between 7-12 years  and an intense improvement follows between 11-17 years. Later, stagnation occurs with a possible worsening trend. The peak of development happens at the end of puberty.

As the years go by, the large joint mobility decreases the most.

The mobility decreases from 20 years for men and 25 years for women.

The reasons of the decline of skills:

• Physiological changes in the building structures of joints;
• The ligaments are less flexible, less stretchable;
• The surface of the articular cartilage is cracked and worn;
•  The viscosity of the synovial fluid decreases;

In physical education, it is not necessary to focus on the development of flexion since the joints are the loosest in childhood. However, their development should be considered if the student’s sport requires a high degree of joint mobility. Flexibility can be effectively improved until 16-17 years, after its development becomes limited.

Later, the active flexibility can be increased with strength exercises but neglecting to do this in the best period, similarly with the other motor skills, will cause irreparable loss to the individual.

During shaping the ability of skills, attention should also be paid to the relaxation of the muscles which plays an equal part in the movement but the contractions still come to the foreground.

By learning relaxation, considerable energy can be saved since it decreases the muscle to an appropriate level and reduces the role of the antagonist.

Relaxation also plays an important part in muscle perception, providing information on implementation, helping the ability of kinesthesia. To reduce muscle tone, students should learn voluntary relaxation and stretching exercises.