what are non-contractile tissues
ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, fascia, skin, and non-contractile components of muscle
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| what are non-contractile tissues | ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, fascia, skin, and non-contractile components of muscle |
| what determines functional mobility (2 factors) | active neuromuscular control, passive extensibility of soft tissues |
| what soft tissues commonly impair mobility | muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, fascia, skin |
| what adaptations occur in soft tissue with immobility | shortening, adhesions, loss of sarcomeres, increased stiffness, reduced ground substance, decreased tensile strength |
| define elastic tissue behaviour | tissue returns to original length after stretch; temporary deformation |
| define viscoelastic behaviour | time-dependent deformation; elongates if stretch is held; partially returns to original length |
| define plasticity in soft tissue | permanent length change after sustained stretch; goal of therapeutic stretching |
| what is the toe region of the stress-strain curve | slack is taken up; collagen fibers straighten; occurs up to normal ROM |
| what is the elastic range | tissue deforms but returns to original length; safe zone |
| what is the plastic range | collagen fibers begin to fail/realign; permanent length change occurs |
| what is necking | collagen significantly weakened; tissue close to failure; danger zone |
| define creep | permanent deformation when a constant load is applied over time |
| what stretching principle is based on creep | static stretching, serial casting, low-load long-duration stretching |
| how do you change length in non-contractile tissue | slow, long-duration stretching -> collagen realignment + ground substance redistribution |
| what are the components of contractile tissue | muscle fibers + non-contractile layers (epimysium, perimysium, endomysium) |
| what do muscle spindles respond to | length changes and velocity of length change |
| what is the function of the muscle spindle | triggers stretch reflex -> contraction of muscle; reciprocal inhibition of antagonist |
| what is the clinical implication of muscle spindles | stretch slowly to avoid triggering the stretch reflex |
| what does the Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO) respond to | tension changes (active or passive) |
| what is the function of the GTO | inhibits alpha motor neurons -> autogenic inhibition -> muscle relaxes |
| what is the clinical implication of GTO activation | sustained stretch promotes relaxation; basis for PNF hold-relax |
| what is hypomobility | adaptive shortening of soft tissue -> decreased ROM |
| what factors contribute to hypomobility | immobilization, sedentary lifestyle, postural malalignment, impaired muscle performance, trauma/scar tissue |
| what stage is stretching usually applied in healing | late sub-acute and chronic stages |
| what is a myostatic contracture | adaptive shortening of musculotendinous unit; decreased sarcomeres; responds to stretching |
| what is a pseudomyostatic contracture | hypertonicity from CNS lesion; constant contraction; requires inhibition techniques |
| what is an arthrogenic/periarticular contracture | intra-articular pathology limiting arthrokinematics; needs joint mobilization + stretching |
| what is a fibrotic/irreversible contracture | non-extensible fibrotic adhesions; requires prolonged stretching, heat, friction techniques |
| why is alignment important during stretching | isolates target muscle and prevents compensations |
| why is stabilization important | prevents unwanted movement and ensures effective stretch |
| what intensity of stretch is recommended | low-intensity -> safe, comfortable, promotes long-term change |
| what is the standard stretch prescription | 30 seconds/side, 3 reps, 1-2x daily |
| why must stretch speed be slow; prevents stretch reflex and reduces risk of guarding | |
| what is static progressive stretching | stretch held until tension decreases; then advance further |
| what is the purpose of applying cold after stretching | "sets" tissue in lengthened position and helps maintain new ROM |
| what must be documented when prescribing a stretch | muscle, description, duration, reps, frequency |