jm@tekid.UUCP (Jeff Mizener) (08/18/83)
>From "Professional Care" magazine, in an article in the Orthepedics
section on Cycling Injuries (date unknown, I have a copy of a copy).
By Wayne B. Leadbetter, MD and Myles J. Schneider, DPM.
Used w/o permission.
"Stretching should be done before and after riding.
Each stretch should be done slowly with no bouncing
or jerky motion. There should be no pain or burning.
The beginning stretch lasts for twenty to 30 seconds;
gently relax into the position and remember to breathe
deeply; during this time the stretch reflexes will
relax and the muscles will become more pliable. Next,
gently try to further reach in the direction of the
stretch for another 30 seconds or more. Strain - a
tearing of the muscle fibres - is to be avoided. It
is important to understand that a slow gentle approach
to stretching reduces the action of the "stretch reflex,"
which is a tendency for muscles to shorten in response
to the stretch lengthening; it is a protective reflex to
prevent tearing of the muscle from overextension, and
most active during an unexpected exaggerated motion,
*such as bouncing* [my emphasis]. When brought into
play, it prevents you from obtaining maximum stretch
and thus maximum flexibilty."
Happy Trails,
Jeff "No Pain, No Gain" Mizener
Tektronix Inc., IG/ADG
Beaverton, OR
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