Final answer:
An increase in flexibility enhances both active and passive range of motion necessary for sports and functional movements, reducing injury risk and improving performance. Flexibility exercises such as stretching and yoga can lead to better functional everyday movements and contribute to overall health and longevity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An increase in flexibility positively affects the two types of range of motion (ROM) necessary for sport and functional movement. There are two key types of ROM: active and passive. Active ROM is the degree to which a joint can be moved by a muscle contraction, while passive ROM is the extent a joint can be moved by an external force or assistance without muscle contraction. Improving flexibility through exercises such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can enhance both types of ROM.
With increased flexibility, athletes can achieve greater movements without straining the muscles, reducing injury risk and potentially improving performance. For day-to-day activities, enhanced flexibility leads to better functional movements, such as reaching, bending, and twisting, making everyday tasks easier and less susceptible to injury.
Training routines incorporating flexibility exercises can apply forces and torques that, over time, improve muscle and joint function, which is critical for both high-impact sports and everyday functional movements. Additionally, exercises designed to increase flexibility contribute to overall physical, mental, and emotional health, adding to one's quality of life and sometimes even extending one's lifespan, as suggested by studies linking activities like ballroom dancing to increased agility and longevity.