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Science of flexibility / Michael J. Alter.

By: Alter, Michael J, 1952-.
Contributor(s): Alter, Michael J, 1952-. Science of stretching.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics, 1996Edition: 2nd ed.Description: xvii, 373 p. : ill. ; 29 cm. + hbk.ISBN: 0873229770.Subject(s): Stretch (Physiology) | Joints -- Range of motionDDC classification: 612.76
Contents:
A modern overview of flexibility and stretching -- Osteology and arthrology -- Contractile components of muscle: limiting factors of flexibility -- Connective tissue: a limiting factor of flexibility -- Mechanical and dynamic properties of soft tissues -- The neurophysiology of flexibillity: neural anatomy and neural physiology -- Hypermobility of the joint -- Relaxation -- Muscular soreness: etiology and consequences -- Special factors in flexibillity -- Social facilitation and psychology in developing flexibility -- Stretching concepts -- Types and varieties of stretching -- Mobilization, joint play, manipulation and chiropractic adjustment -- Controversial stretches -- Stretching and special populations -- Anatomy and flexibility of the lower extremity and pelvic girdle -- Anatomy and flexibility of the vertebral column -- Anatomy and flexibility of the upper extremity -- Functional aspects of stretching and flexibility.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Copy number Status Barcode
General lending MTU Bishopstown Library Lending 612.76 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 00015665
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

"Science of Flexibility has long been considered the leading reference on the topic, and this new edition reaffirms that status. No other book covers these concepts and principles better." "Based on the latest research, this completely revised and updated edition includes five new chapters, nearly doubling the content. These chapters discuss the hypermobility of joints, joint manipulation and chiropractic adjustment, controversial stretches, the relationship of stretching and special populations, and the functionality of stretching and flexibility for specific sports and health conditions." "With more than 1,400 scholarly and professional references and over 200 illustrations, photos, and tables, Science of Flexibility is invaluable for exercise scientists, health/fitness professionals, athletic trainers, sport physical therapists and chiropractors, massage therapists, instructors and practitioners of dance, yoga, and the martial arts."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Rev. and updated ed. of: Science of stretching. c1988.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-357) and indexes.

A modern overview of flexibility and stretching -- Osteology and arthrology -- Contractile components of muscle: limiting factors of flexibility -- Connective tissue: a limiting factor of flexibility -- Mechanical and dynamic properties of soft tissues -- The neurophysiology of flexibillity: neural anatomy and neural physiology -- Hypermobility of the joint -- Relaxation -- Muscular soreness: etiology and consequences -- Special factors in flexibillity -- Social facilitation and psychology in developing flexibility -- Stretching concepts -- Types and varieties of stretching -- Mobilization, joint play, manipulation and chiropractic adjustment -- Controversial stretches -- Stretching and special populations -- Anatomy and flexibility of the lower extremity and pelvic girdle -- Anatomy and flexibility of the vertebral column -- Anatomy and flexibility of the upper extremity -- Functional aspects of stretching and flexibility.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Unit I Overview: Basic Sciences Related to Flexibility
  • Chapter 1 Modern Overview of Flexibility and Stretching
  • Defining Flexibility
  • Differences Among Flexibility, Hypermobility, Joint Laxity, and Joint Instability
  • Nature of Flexibility
  • Flexibility-Training Program
  • Benefits of a Flexibility-Training Program
  • Summary
  • Chapter 2 Topics in Osteology and Arthrology
  • Classifications of Study
  • Classification of Joints and Their Influence on Motion
  • Types of Motion
  • Relationship Between Bone Growth and Flexibility
  • Wolff's Law
  • Close-Packed Position and Its Relation to Flexibility
  • Loose-Packed Position and Its Relation to Flexibility
  • Summary
  • Chapter 3 Contractile Components of Muscle: Limiting Factors of Flexibility
  • General Overview of Skeletal Muscles
  • Composition of Myofibrils and Their Constituents
  • Regions of the Sarcomere
  • Ultrastructure of the Connecting, or Gap Filament: Titin
  • Sarcomere Structural Bridges
  • Theory of Contraction
  • Theory of Muscular Relaxation
  • Theoretical Limit of Muscular Elongation
  • Modifying the "Classic" Sliding Filament Model
  • Additional Limitations to Range of Motion
  • Effects of Immobilization
  • Mechanism of Passive Stretch on Myofibrillogenesis
  • Proposed Methods of Modulating Gene Expression via Stretching
  • Summary
  • Chapter 4 Connective Tissue: A Limiting Factor of Flexibility
  • Collagenous Tissue
  • Ultrastructure of Collagenous Tissue
  • Elastic Tissue
  • Relationship Between Collagenous and Elastic Fibers
  • Structures Composed of Connective Tissue
  • Effects of Immobilization on Connective Tissue
  • Metabolic and Nutritional Influences on Connective Tissue
  • Summary
  • Chapter 5 Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Soft Tissues
  • Terminology
  • Soft Tissues
  • Muscle
  • Vascular Tissue
  • Peripheral Nerves
  • Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties of Connective Tissues, Muscles, and Nerves
  • Need for Additional Research
  • Summary
  • Unit II Clinical Considerations
  • Chapter 6 Neuroscience of Flexibility
  • Sensory Receptors Related to Stretching
  • Reflexes and Other Spinal Neural Circuits
  • Coactivation/Cocontraction
  • Plasticity of the Spinal Cord Neural Circuits
  • Neurological and Other Factors of Flexibility Training
  • Summary
  • Chapter 7 Hypermobility of the Joint
  • Terminology
  • Assessment of Joint Hypermobility
  • Determining Factors of Hypermobility
  • Consequences of Hypermobility
  • General Management of Hypermobility
  • Inherited Syndromes
  • Research Perspectives in Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue
  • Additional Issues
  • Contortionism
  • Summary
  • Chapter 8 Relaxation
  • Defining Relaxation
  • Measuring Relaxation
  • Methodologies of Facilitating Muscular Relaxation
  • Summary
  • Chapter 9 Muscular Injury and Soreness: Etiology and Consequences
  • Damaged or Torn Muscle Hypothesis
  • Damaged Connective Tissue Hypothesis
  • Hypothesis of Metabolic Accumulation or Osmotic Pressure and Swelling
  • Lactic Acid Accumulation Hypothesis
  • Hypothesis of Localized Spasm of Motor Units
  • Predisposing Factors of Delayed Muscle Soreness
  • Trauma and Overload Injury to the Musculature and Connective Tissues
  • Medical Management of Acute Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Effects of Mechanical Stress on Elasticity and Strength of Collagen in Scar Tissue
  • Summary
  • Chapter 10 Special Factors in Flexibility
  • Children and Flexibility Development
  • Gender Differences in Flexibility
  • Body Build and Flexibility
  • Racial Differences in Flexibility
  • Genetics and Flexibility
  • Dominant Laterality and Flexibility
  • Warming Up and Cooling Down
  • Strength Training and Flexibility
  • Circadian Variations and Flexibility
  • Summary
  • Chapter 11 Social Facilitation and Psychology in Developing Flexibility
  • Effects of an Audience on Developing Flexibility Through Stretching
  • Theoretical Aspects of Mental Training
  • Cybernetic Stretch
  • Ideokinetic Imagery
  • Psychosomatic Factors
  • Psychology of Compliance in Flexibility Training, Injury Prevention, and Rehabilitation Programs
  • Summary
  • Unit III Principles of Stretching
  • Chapter 12 Stretching Concepts
  • Homeostasis
  • Overstretching Principle
  • Flexibility-Training Methods
  • Retention of Flexibility
  • Requisite Knowledge for Stretching
  • Potential Factors Influencing Flexibility (ROM)
  • Additional Principles of Stretching
  • Summary
  • Chapter 13 Types and Varieties of Stretching
  • Traditional Classifications of Stretching
  • Additional Classifications
  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
  • Additional Stretching Techniques
  • Mobilization
  • Manipulation and Chiropractic Adjustment
  • Traction
  • Nontraditional Stretching Devices
  • Summary
  • Chapter 14 Controversy Over Stretching and Controversial Stretches
  • Flexibility Continuum
  • X-Rated Exercises
  • No Absolute "No-Nos"
  • Summary
  • Chapter 15 Stretching and Special Populations
  • Flexibility and the Geriatric Population
  • Flexibility and Pregnancy
  • Flexibility and People With Physical Disabilities
  • Summary
  • Unit IV Anatomical (or Regional) Aspects of Flexibility and Stretching
  • Chapter 16 Anatomy and Flexibility of the Lower Extremity and Pelvic Girdle
  • The Foot and Toes
  • The Ankle Joint
  • The Lower Leg
  • The Knee Joint
  • The Upper Leg
  • The Pelvic Region
  • The Hip Joint
  • Summary
  • Chapter 17 Anatomy and Flexibility of the Vertebral Column
  • Gross Anatomy of the Vertebral Column
  • Function of the Vertebral Column
  • The Vertebrae
  • The Intervertebral Disks
  • The Vertebral Ligaments
  • Limits on Range of Motion of the Thoracic-Lumbar Region
  • Interrelationship of Stretching the Lower Back, Pelvis, and Hamstrings
  • The Cervical Vertebrae
  • Movements of the Cervical Region
  • Summary
  • Chapter 18 Anatomy and Flexibility of the Upper Extremity
  • The Shoulder Girdle and Arm
  • The Elbow Joint and Forearm Region
  • The Wrist Joint
  • Summary
  • Unit V Specific Disciplines
  • Chapter 19 Functional Aspects of Stretching and Flexibility
  • Aesthetic Aspect of Skills
  • Biomechanical Aspect of Skills: ROM
  • Additional Impediments
  • Jogging, Running, and Sprinting
  • Swimming and Water Polo
  • Throwing and Projecting
  • Wrestling
  • Weight Lifting, Power Lifting, and Bodybuilding
  • Rib Cage Flexibility, Performance, and Respiration
  • Springboard and Platform Diving
  • Golf
  • Ballet and Other Forms of Dance
  • Musicians
  • Summary
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