Abstract

Warm-up techniques are primarily used to increase body temperature and are classified in 3 major categories: (a) passive warm-up - increases temperature by some external means; (b) general warm-up - increases temperature by nonspecific body movements; and (c) specific warm-up - increases temperature using similar body parts that will be used in the subsequent, more strenuous activity. The best of these appears to be specific warm-up because this method provides a rehearsal of the activity or event. The intensity and duration of warm-up must be individualised according to the athletes phyiscal capabilities and in consideration of environmental factors which may alter the temperature response. There are 3 basic categories of stretching techniques: (a) ballistic - which makes use of repetitive bouncing movement; (b) static - which stretches the muscle to the point of slight muscle discomfort and is held for an extended period; and (c) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation - which uses alternating contractions and stretching of the muscles. Each of these stretching methods is based on the neurophysiological phenomenon involving the stretch reflex. The muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ are receptors sensitive to changes in muscle length and tension and are activated during stretching. Because ballistic, static, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques produce different responses from the stretch reflex, the relative effectiveness of these stretching methods also varies. Studies comparing the effectiveness of the various stretching techniques have been confusing and contradictory. However, the majority of the information on this topic tends to support the use of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques for providing the best improvements in flexibility. Verf.-Referat