Question

Which of the following is a reason why the rear foot is elevated during the hip flexors contract-relax stretch?

A) To increase hamstring engagement
B) To decrease calf activation
C) To create an additional stretch on the hip flexors
D) To stabilize the pelvis

Answer 1

The rear foot is elevated during the hip flexors contract-relax stretch to create an additional stretch on the hip flexors, optimizing the effectiveness of the stretch by adjusting the position of the pelvis.

Step-by-step explanation:

One reason the rear foot is elevated during the hip flexors contract-relax stretch is C) To create an additional stretch on the hip flexors. Elevating the rear foot alters the position of the pelvis and increases the stretch on the hip flexors, intensifying the effectiveness of the stretch. This also aligns with the principles of body mechanics where modifying the base of support or the position of the limbs can alter muscle activation and stretch intensity.

Muscles in the posterior compartment of the thigh, such as the hamstrings, contribute to knee flexion, while the muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg contribute to dorsiflexion of the foot. Understanding the functions of these muscle groups is essential when executing stretches correctly to target specific muscle groups effectively.