SummaryA literature review on physical flexibility was presented and discussed. This included definitions and components that influence the performance of movements requiring large joint motion ranges and muscle elasticity. Flexibility was discussed with reference to specific age groups, e.g. children and the elderly. Proprioceptive mechanisms and components directly related to flexibility were overviewed, as well as suitable approaches towards flexibilisation, i.e. maintaining and/or enhancing flexibility.

Acute effects of static stretching on muscle strength Study aim: To assess the effects of static passive maximal stretching on muscle performance in order to clarify the existing controversies. Material and methods: Two randomly selected groups of the Brazilian Air Force personnel were studied: experimental (n = 15), subjected to 3 bouts of static passive stretching exercises of wrist flexors and extensors (beyond a mild discomfort). Every bout lasted 10 s and was followed by a 30-s rest. The control group (n = 15) performed no exercises. Muscle strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer before and 20 min after the test. Results: Subjects from the experimental group had the pre-exercise handgrip strength significantly higher than postexercise (by about 7%; p<0.01). No significant decrease was noted in the control group. Conclusions: Static passive stretching induces decreases in muscle strength.

Introdução: A flexibilidade é um dos componentes que compõem o condicionamento físico. Contudo, dentre todos os componentes, ainda, é um dos menos estudados.Objetivo: Analisar a qualidade física flexibilidade e suas respectivas metodologias de treinamento.Conclusão: O controle das intensidades de treinamento da flexibilidade permite a diferenciação entre os trabalhos de alongamento e flexionamento, que é fundamental para a realização de um bom planejamento e preparação física. Flexibility: Myths and FactsIntroduction: Flexibility is one of the components that make up physical conditioning. However, among all components, it is still less studied.Objective: Analyze questions pertinent to the physical quality flexibility and their respective training methodologies.Conclusion: The intensities control on flexibility training allows the differentiation between stretching and flexing exercises, which is fundamental for the accomplishment of a good planning of physical preparation.

Introduction: Sports scientists have been studying the phenomenon involving different types of exercises and their influence on other activities. Stretching exercises have a negative influence on muscular strength and power output, as do high intensity or long duration cardiovascular training. Nevertheless, several studies have found the opposite to be true Nevertheless, few investigations have studied the opposite. Objective: To determine whether high intensity power exercise influences muscular flexibility in an acute manner. Methods: A sample of forty-three male and female young adults aged between 18 and 28 years, with a mean age of 22.88 + 3.04 years, who have practiced physical activity for at least six months. To determine flexibility, the sit-and-reach test was used. For the high intensity training, a 45º leg press was used. A 10-rep movement was performed at 85% of 1 RM, in both pre-and post-tests. Statistic analysis was conducted using the ANOVA and Scheffer's post-hoc tests, with a level of significance for differences of < 0.05. Results: Comparison of the pre-and post-tests proved to be statistically significant from the baseline from the fourth to the seventh repetitions. Conclusion: Strength exercises at 85% of 1RM seem to significantly increase range of motion in an acute manner, and the growth of this range of motion has a dose-effect response.

INTRODUÇÃO: O treinamento engloba, dentre outras qualidades físicas, a flexibilidade e a força. Assim, conhecer as inter-relações mútuas entre essas qualidades físicas potencializaria a eficácia do treino. OBJETIVO: Verificar as alterações nos parâmetros neuromusculares em um programa de flexionamento estático, após 12 semanas de intervenção. MÉTODOS: Participaram 70 cadetes, com idade média de 17,03 ± 1,14 anos, divididos em dois grupos: grupo experimental (GF, n = 35) e grupo controle (GC, n = 35). A força foi avaliada através de 1RM de contração estática nos movimentos de flexão e extensão horizontal de ombro (FFHO/FEHO) e extensão da coluna lombar (FECL). A flexibilidade foi avaliada pelo protocolo LABIFIE de goniometria nos movimentos de flexão e extensão horizontal de ombro (FHO/EHO) e flexão da coluna lombar (FCL). A concentração de hidroxiprolina na urina coletada pelo método Nordin foi realizada pelo protocolo HPROLI 2h. RESULTADOS: A ANOVA de medidas repetidas demonstrou aumento significativo para FHO (∆% = 3,9%; p = 0,001), EHO (∆% = 21,1%; p = 0,001), FCL (∆% = 73,8%; p = 0,001), FFHO (∆% = 20,4%; p = 0,001) e FECL (∆% = 4,0%; p = 0,008) do pré para o pós-teste. Os níveis de hidroxiprolina não apresentaram alterações significativas. Nas comparações intergrupos, foram encontradas diferenças significativas para FHO (p = 0,016), EHO (p = 0,005), FCL (p = 0,004), FFHO (p = 0,001) e FECL (p = 0,007). O poder do experimento observado foi de 86% para um beta calculado de 0,14. CONCLUSÃO: O flexionamento estático foi capaz de melhorar tanto a flexibilidade como a força.