Science of Flexibility - 3rd Edition

Gain a well-rounded understanding of the principles underlying stretching and flexibility with the updated third edition of Science of Flexibility. This practical text includes illustrated stretching exercises with a concentration on muscle structure and the technical nature of stretching. You will learn about the principles and clinical aspects of flexibility, the factors limiting flexibility, as well as techniques to enhance flexibility throughout the body.

Based on the latest research, Science of Flexibility, Third Edition, provides a comprehensive examination of the scientific, anatomical, and clinical principles of stretching. A 16-page appendix features 60 illustrated stretching exercises. A basic stretching exercise is given for every major part of the body—starting with the toes and plantar arches in the feet, on to the quadriceps and hip flexors, trunk and back, and finishing with the neck, shoulders, and arms.

The new edition also includes many additional features:

-An expanded research section with 2,100 scholarly and professional references

-Boxes within the text that expand discussion of stretching-related topics such as elasticity, collagen and scarring, and altered stretch perception

-Redrawn tables and figures as well as new illustrations

-New information on several sports and artistic disciplines, including music and dance, and their functional aspects of stretching In addition, detailed illustrations and graphs, along with expanded captions and more than 30 photos, help showcase important concepts and the muscular components involved in flexibility and stretching. Science of Flexibility, Third Edition, is an excellent reference for anyone seeking the most current information and a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of stretching and flexibility.

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

Written primarily for health and fitness professionals concerned about the limitations of body flexibility and techniques for the optimal development of it, this work surveys the scientific and medical literature on flexibility. The author, a former gymnastics coach, broadly covers basic sciences related to flexibility, clinical considerations, principles of stretching, anatomical (or regional) aspects of flexibility, and a range of functional aspects. Annotation © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Brian T. Larsen, MS, DPT(Utah State University College of Education & Human Services)
Description:This book provides an informative overview of the important components involved with flexibility. It also appears to take a unique approach in that it provides a description of the science, clinical application, and recommendations for both general and special populations. This is the third edition of a book originally published in 1988.
Purpose:Although the purpose is not directly stated, it seems to be to contribute to the knowledge of the human body in its abilities, and optimal development in relation to flexibility. The book provides an evidence-based perspective on flexibility and related topics that help to clarify certain grey areas that seem to exist in the health and fitness arenas with regard to flexibility. The author provides enough information to fulfill the objectives.
Audience:The book is written primarily for practitioners involved in the health and fitness arena, and it could also benefit health professionals in the clinical setting.
Features:The book first provides a nice overview and introduction to the concept of flexibility, then proceeds to give a nice variety of clinical recommendations, and a selection of viable and current primary research references. One of the strong points of the book is that it can be used by a large assortment of both fitness and healthcare professionals because it contains enough scientific information to keep fairly educated readers interested, but also contains enough basic information necessary for the less experienced clinician as well. The book also contains a large reference section for those interested in obtaining primary references.
Assessment:This provides a nice current overview of the concept of flexibility. The book helps to present the current primary evidence in relation to flexibility, and helps to concentrate much of the information currently available on the topic of flexibility in a way that can be used both clinically and conceptually. The third edition was justified in that it presents more current material.

Michael J. Alter, MS, is a former gymnast, coach, and nationally certified men's gymnastics judge. Currently a high school history teacher, Alter has authored two previous editions of Science of Flexibility, as well as the Sport Stretch series.

Alter has been a guest lecturer at annual meetings across the country, including the Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium and the Scientific Meeting of the North American Society of Pediatric Exercise Medicine. He earned his master's degree in health education from Florida International University.

In his leisure time, Alter enjoys working out, writing, and listening to classical music.