This groundbreaking book is a definitive guide to flexibility and revises the conceptual framework of the field. In Flexibility: A Concise Guide, the authors provide a fresh perspective on flexibility, one that challenges current thinking and professional practice, from the conceptual foundations of research to the practical applications of stretching techniques in a number of domains. All major types of flexibility technique and training are covered in this comprehensive text, with an emphasis on when and how to use each method safely and effectively. Specific applications to rehabilitation, sport, fitness, and dance make this book an invaluable resource for all practitioners and professionals in the field of human movement. Combining three decades of sport and rehabilitation research with critical and creative thinking and analysis, Flexibility: A Concise Guide is a must-have resource for sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic therapists, chiropractors, coaches, and other professionals.

Résumé
In 1964, at the beginning of my PhD studies at Southern Illinois University, I was first introduced to the theory and practice of proprioceptive neuro muscular facilitation (PNF). One specific application, reversal of antago nists, particularly intrigued me, and served as the focus of not only my dissertation, but also numerous research projects, presentations, and pub lications over the ensuing years, including the monograph Scientific Stretch ing for Sport (1973). This was the first publication to present a simplified. planar version of reversal of antagonists for enhancing flexibility. Although I was repeatedly encouraged by friends and colleagues to write a more extensive text, I knew that more laboratory research, methodologi cal fine-tuning, clinical information, and significant changes to the concep tual foundations, were needed before a truly meaningful book could be written. Throughout my 36 years at Dalhousie University. I have been fortunate to have had a number of excellent graduate students whose theses contrib uted much of this needed material. Their work has been published in numerous academic journals and is referenced throughout this text.

Contenu
Practical Considerations.- Stretching Techniques and Exercise Prescriptions.- Stretching the Major Muscle Groups of the Lower Limb.- Stretching the Major Muscle Groups of the Upper Limb.- Stretching the Major Muscle Groups of the Trunk and Neck.- Advanced 3S Stretching Exercises for Figure Skaters, Gymnasts, Divers, and Dancers.- Sports, Fitness, and Dance Applications.- Theoretical Considerations.- Flexibility and Exercise.- Myths About Stretching.- Clinical Concepts and Applications.- The Mechanisms of Flexibility Enhancement.- Conclusion.- Conclusion.