Special Populations and Flexibility Training Flashcards

Holding a static stretch for about 30 seconds causes the muscle to relax primarily through which receptor?

Answer: Golgi tendon organ

Sustained tension stimulates the Golgi tendon organ, which inhibits the muscle spindle (autogenic inhibition).

Active-isolated stretching relies on contracting the agonist to relax the antagonist being stretched. What is this principle called?

Answer: Reciprocal inhibition

Reciprocal inhibition is the simultaneous contraction of one muscle and relaxation of its opposing muscle.

A client with tight calves turns their feet out during a squat to avoid limited dorsiflexion. Which concept does this demonstrate?

Answer: Relative flexibility

Relative flexibility is the body's tendency to seek the path of least resistance during functional movement.

Which exercise positions are generally most appropriate for clients with obesity?

Answer: Standing or seated exercises

Standing or seated exercises avoid the discomfort and difficulty of getting up and down from the floor.

A client with coronary heart disease takes beta-blockers. How should exercise intensity be monitored?

Answer: Using rating of perceived exertion (RPE)

Beta-blockers blunt heart rate response, so RPE gives a more reliable measure of intensity.

Which guideline is most appropriate for a client with arthritis?

Answer: Avoid intense exercise of affected joints during acute flare-ups and favor low-impact activity

Arthritic clients benefit from low-impact exercise but should reduce intensity during painful flare-ups.

A client in Phase 5 (Power) of the OPT model should use which flexibility techniques?

Answer: SMR and dynamic stretching

Functional flexibility for the power level combines SMR with dynamic stretching.