FLEXIBILITY
Flexibility, also known as joint mobility, is the ability of one or a set of joints to move freely throughout its range of motion. It is closely related to the range of motion (ROM), defined as the maximum amplitude of possible movement within the physiological limits set by the joints, tendons, ligaments, and the physiological structure and action of the involved muscles.
Flexibility is an important quality for an active individual as it contributes to physical well-being by increasing blood flow and oxygen throughout the body, maintaining proper posture, conserving gestures, improving athletic performance, developing strength, and preventing muscle-tendon-joint injuries. From a performance perspective, joint mobility is an essential component of movement and, as such, should be developed through a proper training program that includes a combination of active and passive exercises. Training must be consistent since flexibility tends to regress rather quickly.
Various bodily factors influence mobility, especially depending on the joint structure: the elasticity and length of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin, as well as a muscle's ability to relax and contract, are the main factors responsible for potential stiffness. External influences come from physiological factors such as ambient and body temperature, time of day, age, gender, and mood.
In general, to move effectively and without particular effort, the ROM must be maximal for each joint. Maintaining incorrect static postures for long periods can lead to feelings of discomfort and fatigue. In such cases, stretching can be a useful tool to release muscles and regain elasticity. Furthermore, an appropriate ROM allows the joint to adapt more easily to the stresses the body is subjected to, reducing the potential risk of traumas and distortions. In sports activities, training this characteristic becomes fundamental, and the Gyko inertial sensor can be used very simply and quickly for the ongoing monitoring of joint flexibility and dynamic ROM. It provides not only angle measurements but also information about the fluidity and speed of the executed movement (see figure below). The straps allow its placement in various body areas, enabling the measurement of each joint.
