Glossary Term
Relative Flexibility
When one muscle group or joint is stiff, it can cause compensatory movement in adjoining joints that are controlled by muscles and soft tissues that exhibit less stiffness. This is known as relative flexibility and can lead to movement impairment syndromes. For example, a reduction in hip extension range of motion may increase lumbar extension during gait.
Relative Flexibility: "Stiffness in one muscle group or joint will cause compensatory movement at adjoining joints that are controlled by muscles and soft tissues that exhibit less stiffness (1)." For example, reduction in hip extension range of motion may result in an increase in lumbar extension during gait.
- Shirley A Sahrmann, Diagnoses and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, © 2002 Mosby Inc.
Comments
Synonyms
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle stiffness