V.4. Joint mobility, flexibility, looseness

Joint mobility

The motor skill when the different movements can be executed with the maximum possible extent by the dynamic contractility of the muscle strength, within the anatomical borders (Harsanyi, 2001).

Flexibility

It allows the movements of the joints according to their task. This possibility is subject to the elasticity and flexibility of the muscles and connective tissues. If we look at the physiological interpretation, we should know that the stretching appears as an adequate stimulus in the muscles and tendons. As a result, the so-called proprioceptors become stimulated and trigger a myotatic/stretch reflex in the muscle according to the strength of the stimulus (Harsanyi, 2001).

This ability in both quantitive and qualitive terms is an important condition in the quality of the implementation of the movements.

In assessing the limit value of the joint flexibility or to what extent it can be developed, it is important that the joint system, the ligaments, the tendons and the participating muscles can be stretched to what extent. In addition, the force application ability is another key issue.

The flexibility depends on the elasticity of the muscles and ligaments. The natural elasticity however is not enough; the relaxation skills are also required.

The flexibility also depends on the technical preparedness. The scope of joint is reduced when the movement is forced.

The muscle function has two characteristic phases, contraction and relaxation. The relaxation reduces the counteractive role of the antagonists, delivers an appropriate level of muscle tone which can save significant amounts of energy.

The muscles that are directly involved in the body posture are increased in tension. The most suitable exercises to reduce the muscle tension are relaxation and stretching exercises i.eg. swinging, bending and voluntary relaxation.