It’s a Stretch!
In our Biomechanics of Human Motion class, we’ve been looking at the topic of flexibility and range of motion – i.e., stretching. I thought I knew a thing or two about this topic. In reality, I knew a smidgeon. Humbling! Let’s walk through what we’ve covered in class. As with most biomechanics, it’s important to start with the micro and build up from there. In describing this, I’ll draw heavily on Joseph Hamill’s book Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement, 4th edition, p. 116-118. This text is an amazing compendium of everything biomechanical, from anatomy and physiology to muscular force production. Not an ideal nighttime read, but after a good night’s sleep and with a strong cup of coffee, this book has plenty worth exploring. Hamill defines flexibility as “the terminal range of motion of a segment,” such as a hip or leg. This is comprised of both active and passive elements. For example, during the running stride, our hamstrings actively engage to pull our leg behind us and then passively engage as we reach the top of the range to terminate the forward “swing phase” in preparation for the quads to pull the leg down. If we are inflexible, then … Continue reading