Periodic and chaotic dynamical systems follow deterministic equations such as Newton's laws of motion. To distinguish the difference between two systems, the initial conditions have an important role. Chaotic behaviors or dynamics are characterized by sensitivity to initial conditions. Mathematically, a chaotic system is defined as a system very sensitive to initial conditions. A small difference in initial conditions causes unpredictability in the final outcome. If error is measured from the initial state, the relative error grows exponentially. Prediction becomes impossible and finally, chaotic systems can come to become stochastic system. To make chaotic motion, the number of variables in the system should be above three and there should be non-linear terms coupling several of the variables in the equation of motion. Phase space is defined as the space spanned by the coordinate and velocity vectors. In our case, mixing zone is phase space. With the above characteristics - the initial condition sensitivity of a chaotic system, our plan is to find most efficient chaotic stirrer. In this thesis, we present four methods to measure mixing state based on the chaotic dynamics theory. The Lyapunov exponent is a measure of the sensitivity to initial conditions and can be used to calculate chaotic strength. We can decide the chaotic state with one real number and measure efficiency of the chaotic mixer and find the optimum frequency. The Poincare section method provides a means for viewing the phase space diagram so that the motion is observed periodically. To do this, the trajectory is sectioned at regular intervals. With the Poincare section method, we can find 'islands' considered as bad mixed zones so that the mixing state can be measured qualitatively. With the chaotic dynamics theory, the initial length of the interface can grow exponentially in a chaotic system. We will show the above characteristics of the chaotic system to prove as fact that our model is an efficient chaotic mixer. The final goal for making chaotic stirrer is how to implement efficient dispersed particles. The box counting method is focused on measurement of the particles dispersing state. We use snap shots of the mixing process and with these snap shots, we devise a plan to measure particles' dispersing rate using the box-counting method.

Adequate recovery from intense exercise is essential to optimise performance and reduce the associated symptoms of tiredness, fatigue and lethargy. The purpose of the study was to :- i. investigate the effects of massage and stretching in delaying the development of fatigue during repeated bouts of dynamic activity and, ii. to investigate the relative effects of massage and stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Eighteen volunteer males participated in this study. They were randomly allocated into one of six groups of an Orthogonal Latin square design. Subjects performed five repetitions of as many heel raises as possible in 45 seconds. Each repetition was followed by a recovery technique of three minutes duration. This was repeated weekly until each group has had all three recovery techniques. A fatigue index % was calculated from the decline in the number of repetitions from stage 1 to stage 5. Muscle soreness ratings were retrospectively assessed at 12-36 hour after each session. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the fatigue indices. Post hoc intergroup comparison using paired T-tests with the Bonferroni adjustment showed a significant difference between rest and massage (p=0.0001) and rest and stretching (p=0.0006). The differences between massage and stretching were not significant. Fourteen (77.8%) and Fifteen (83.3%) subjects showed an improvement in performance following massage and stretching respectively. Massage is associated with significantly less muscle soreness than stretching (p<0,001). DOMS was most frequently found in the stretching group while the lowest incidence and lowest mean ratings of muscle soreness associated with DOMS was found in the massage group. The difference between massage and stretching was marginal (p=046I) and showed a trend that massage is associated with less DOMS than stretching. This suggests that rest is the least beneficial recovery technique, and that massage may be superior to stretching as there is less muscle soreness. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1997.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept.of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 xv, 93 leaves / Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is a common injury, and one which is known to be stubborn to many forms of treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of manipulation of the subtalar joint combined with static stretching of the Triceps Surae muscles compared to manipulation alone in the treatment of PF. Studies have shown chiropractic manipulation to be effective in treating this overuse injury, and gastro-soleus stretching is a treatment advocated by many authors, but which has not yet been investigated in combination with manipulation. This study consisted of 40 patients who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group One received manipulation to restrictions in the subtalar joint, and Group Two received subtalar manipulation in addition to two static stretched of the gastro-soleus muscles.

Background: Extensive literature has described a decrease in force output performance in the local muscle groups after static stretching, and static stretching has therefore been recommended not to be performed during warm-ups. A recent study showed evidence of a cross-over effect in regard to static stretching, i.e. non-local muscles were also affected by static stretching. This result could however be due to fatigue in the muscle groups stretched, and a fatigued condition has previously shown cross-over effects in several studies. Aim: The aim of the study was to (1) examine if upper-limb static stretching and muscle fatigue display a cross-over effect that show changes in force output in the lower limbs, and (2) if there was a difference between the effects of the static stretch protocol and the muscle fatigue protocol for the purpose of examining if fatigue is the larger factor for cross-over. Methods: Concentric maximal jump height of 15 subjects with previous strength training experience of at least one year was measured and the subjects subsequently performed both intervention protocols in a random order. After each protocol concentric jump height was measured again. The static stretch protocol consisted of a static stretch for the shoulder at an intensity of “Very hard”, 10 repetitions of 30 second stretches with 15 seconds rest in between repetitions. The muscle fatigue protocol consisted of 10 repetitions of 30 seconds isometric muscle contraction in the same position with 15 seconds rest between repetitions at an intensity of “Very hard”. The data was collected on an infra-red contact mat and differences between the mean jump heights pre- and post each protocol and between the different protocols were analyzed with pair sample t-test.   Result: Mean concentric jump height (± standard deviation, SD) was 25.31 (±9.4) cm for the baseline jumps, 23.66 (±8.89) cm post static stretch intervention jumps and 24.13 (±8.90) cm post muscle fatigue intervention jumps. This indicates a cross-over effect on force output in the legs post static stretching with a mean reduction of 1.65 cm (p=0.001). Upper-limb muscle fatigue indicated a cross-over effect on force output in the legs with a mean reduction of 1.18 cm (p=0.032). There was no statistical significance between the two protocols (p=0.146). Conclusion: The results presented a cross-over effect on both conditions. This is in line with previous research in the area. The results implicate that static stretching and muscle fatigue effects the central nervous system, which can lead to impairments in performance in non-local muscles. This can be considered in warm-up and exercise program design when force output is of great importance for performance

I have chosen to conduct an intuitive inquiry into the relationship between a pedagogical focus on epistemological stretching and transformative sustainability learning. The study contributes to theoretical and practical knowledge of teaching and learning about and within the realm of transformative sustainability learning, and contributes to a deepened understanding of epistemological stretching as a pedagogical orientation. Specifically, I have investigated the implications of epistemological stretching as a focal point for teaching and learning for students in ENVS 811: Multiple Ways of Knowing in Environmental Decision Making, a graduate level course in the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan. Using the 5 cycles of Intuitive Inquiry, this research records and interprets accounts of eight students who participated in ENVS 811. The course is oriented around critical examination of human-nature relations with an emphasis on epistemology. The goal for this research is to investigate the ways in which a focus on epistemological stretching can enable three things: (1) prepare students to engage in interdisciplinary and sustainability knowledge creation; (2) help alleviate the epistemic incongruence in resource co-management arrangements; and (3) bring multiple ways of knowing to bear on complex environmental issues. This research is focused on answering three questions: 1. In what ways can a focus on epistemology help enable perspective transformation implicit in a transformative learning experience? 2. In what ways can educating for epistemological stretching result in new ways of thinking, valuing, doing? 3. In what ways can epistemological stretching help students engage in more effective and ethically appropriate ways with Indigenous peoples and their knowledges? This research concludes that epistemological stretching can contribute to transformative sustainability pedagogy in meaningful ways and develops 5 lenses for describing the conceptual spaces in which learning occurs: acknowledgement and deconstruction of power, relationship reconceptualization, change in perspective and action, worldview bridging, and validation of previously held views.

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Stretching is a widely prescribed technique that has been demonstrated to increase range of motion. Consequently it may enhance performance and aid in the prevention and treatment of injury. Few studies have investigated the frequency of stretching on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stretching frequency on range of motion at the ankle joint. The detraining effect was also investigated after a period without stretching. Thirty-one female subjects participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group who did not stretch a group who stretched two times per week (Stretch-2) or a group who stretched four times per week (Stretch-4). The stretching intervention was undertaken over four weeks and targeted the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Each stretch was held for duration of 30 seconds and repeated five times. Prior to the intervention (PRE), dorsiflexion was measured using a weights and pulley system that passively moved the ankle joint from a neutral position into dorsiflexion. After the four week stretching period (POST), dorsiflexion was measured once again to determine the change following the stretching programme. Following a further four week period where no stretching took place (FINAL), dorsiflexion was measured to determine the detraining effect. Electromyography was used to monitor the activity of the plantarflexors and dorsiflexors during the measuring procedure. The results of the study showed a significant increase in ankle joint range of motion for the Stretch-4 group (p<0.05) when comparing PRE and POST measurements. The Stretch-2 and control groups did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between PRE and POST measurements. When comparing the PRE and FINAL measurements of the Stretch-4 group, no significant differences were recorded (p>0.05). The POST and FINAL measurements were significantly different (p<0.05). After the detraining period the Stretch-4 group lost 99.8% of their range of motion gains. The present data provide some evidence that the viscoelastic properties of the muscle stretched were unchanged by the four week static stretching programme. The mechanism involved in the observed increase in range of motion for the Stretch-4 group is possibly that of enhanced stretch tolerance of the subject. Further research is required to support this conjecture.

É sugerido que sujeitos que apresentam uma musculatura mais rígida são mais suscetíveis ao dano muscular induzido pelo exercício (DMIE) do que aqueles indivíduos com musculatura mais complacente. Se através de um programa de treino de flexibilidade (TFlex) é possível tornar a musculatura mais complacente, é possível que um TFlex promova um efeito protetor sobre o DMIE? Desta forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de seis semanas de treino de flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais utilizando um alongamento estático, e se as alterações provenientes desse treino são capazes de alterar a resposta de DMIE. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 10 homens (idade 23,6 ± 3,9 anos, massa corporal 77,6 ± 12,5Kg, estatura 177,1 ± 6,8cm, gordura corporal 16,0 ± 8,2%), destreinados em força e flexibilidade. Como critério de inclusão, os sujeitos deveriam apresentar até 80° de ângulo de flexão de quadril em teste realizado de forma passiva. O estudo teve duração total de oito semanas, sendo que nas semanas inicial e final foram realizadas as avaliações pré e pós treinamento, e também na útima semana foram feitas as avaliações referentes ao DMIE. Na segunda semana iniciava o programa de TFlex com duração de seis semanas sendo duas sessões de treino por semana. Todos os indivíduos participaram do TFlex, sendo que um dos membros participou do treinamento (MT) e o outro membro não fez treinamento e serviu como controle (MC). Todas as sessões de TFlex foram realizadas no dinamômetro isocinético e o protocolo utilizado foi de oito séries de 60 segundos cada, sendo que a amplitude de movimento era mensurada em cada dia de treino. Antes de iniciar o programa de treino foram realizadas duas sessões de teste. Na primeira sessão foram realizadas as avaliações antropométricas, familiarização dos indivíduos com os procedimentos de coleta e foram realizadas as avaliações de espessura muscular, echo intensity, amplitude de movimento de flexão de quadril (ADMFlex), amplitude de extensão de joelho no dinamômetro isocinético (ADMExt), torque passivo máximo e relativo (TPMax e TPRelativo), contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) com simultânea aquisição de sinal eletromiográfico (EMG), pico de torque dinâmico (PT) e ângulo PT, e os mesmos testes foram reavaliados em uma nova sessão com pelo menos 48h de intervalo. Na semana imediatamente após o termino do TFlex, foram realizadas as avaliações pós- treino de flexibilidade, e, também nessa semana foi avaliado o efeito do DIME nos momentos pré, 0h, 24h, 48h e 72h após o exercício excêntrico. Resultados: O TFlex provocou aumento significante (p<0,05) de ADMFlex, ADMExt, e TPMax apenas no MT. Não foram observadas diferença (p>0,05) na CIVM, PT dinâmico, ângulo de PT, sinal EMG e espessura muscular em ambos os grupos do pré para o pós- treino. Após exercício excêntrico, foi observada significativa diminuição (p<0,05) de PT dinâmico, CIVM, ADMFlex e ADMExt, e significativo aumento (p<0,05) da dor e espessura muscular do bíceps femoral e do semitendíneo. Foi observada alteração da echo intensity 72h apenas no semitendíneo não houve alteração no sinal EMG. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre MT e MC para as alterações provocadas pela DIME. Conclusões: o treino de flexibilidade provocou aumento de ADM e torque passivo máximo, o que sugere que o aumento da ADM tenha ocorrido por adaptações neurais. Porém o TFlex não foi capaz de conferir efeito protetor quanto ao DMIE. / It is suggested that subjects with stiff muscle are more suscetible to exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) than those with more complient muscle. If it is possible that the muscle become more complient through a flexibility training (FT), is it possible to have a protective effect on EIMD? Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of six weeks of hamstring flexibility training using static stretching, and if the changes from the training are able to alter EIMD response. Methods: Ten untrained in strength and flexibility, men took part (age 23.6 ± 3.9 years, body mass 77.6 ± 12.5Kg, height 177.1 ± 6.8cm, body fat 16.0 ± 8.2%). As an inclusion criteria, the subjects should have until 80° of hip flexion on the passive straight-leg raise. The study lasted eight weeks, pre and post training evaluations took place in the first and in the last weeks, also in the last week EIMD evaluations were perfomend. In the second week, FT began with a total duration of six weeks with two training sessions per week. All subjects participated in the FT, wherein one limb took part of the training (TL) and the other limb participated as control (CON). All training sessions where performed in an isokinetic dynamometer and the protocol used was eigth sets of 60 seconds each, and the ROM was determined in each training session. Before initiate the training program, two testing sessions were performed. In the first session, anthropometric evaluation, familiarization with the data colection procedures, muscle thikness, echo intensity, hip flexion range of movement (ROMFlex), knee extension range of movement (ROMExt), maximum and relative passive torque (PTMax and PTRelative), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with simultaneous acquisition of electromyographic signal (EMG), dynamic peak torque (DPT) and peak torque angle were performed, and the same tests were reassessed in a new session with at least 48h interval. In the week immedately after the last FT session, post flexibility training were perfomed, and also in the final weeks was also evaluated the effects of EIMD, in pre, 0h, 24h, 48h and 72h post excentric exercise. Results: FT induced significant (p<0.05) increase in ROMFlex, ROMExt and PTMax only in the TL. It was not found difference (p>0.05) in PTRelative, MVIC, DPT, peak torque angle, EMG signal and muscle thikness in bouth groups from pre to post training. After excentric exercise, significant decrease (p<0.05) in DPT, MVIC, ROMFlex, ROMExt, significant (p<0.05) increase in pain, muscle thikness of the biceps femoris and of the semitendinous, for both groups. Sigfificant increase (p<0.05) in echo intensity for semitendineous after 72h were observed, and no significant (p>0.05) difference were found in the EMG signal. It was not found difference (p>0.05) in the alteration induced by EIMD between TL and CON. Conclusions: the flexibility training induced increase in ROM and PT, which suggests that these were neual adaptations. However, FT was not able to induce a protective effect on EIMD.

Introdução: após um longo período voltado para a correção das insuficiências do LCA, a lesão de maior incidência no futebol, a comunidade ortopédica concluiu que o comportamento da biomecânica articular dos indivíduos difere muito e, portanto, começou a pesquisar fatores antropomórficos que pudessem contribuir com os eventos traumáticos do joelho, especialmente, aqueles originados por fatores intrínsecos. Entre estes, destaca-se a restrição articular rotacional do quadril, que pode ser oriunda de compensações musculoesqueléticas adquiridas com treinamento continuado do futebol desde a infância. Assim, a investigação de tais alterações deveria figurar como elemento fundamental na promoção de saúde de jovens atletas. Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a restrição articular rotacional do quadril e a influência do alongamento no comportamento desta articulação, em jogadores de futebol de categorias de base do Sport Club Internacional de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: foram avaliados os graus de RI e RE do quadril de 262 jogadores do sexo masculino, com idades entre 9 e 19 anos. O grupo foi randomizado em dois subgrupos: controle e alongamento específico, e reavaliados após doze semanas. A Análise de Variância (ANOVA) one-way e two-way para medidas repetidas foi aplicada para analisar as diferenças intra e intergrupos, complementada por testes t-student, considerando p0,05 para significância estatística. Resultados: os resultados mostraram redução na ADM rotacional do quadril destes atletas, com o passar dos anos de prática frequente do futebol. Foi possível também verificar que houve melhora da ADM de rotação externa do quadril no grupo alongamento, no membro não dominante. Conclusão: constatou-se que a prática do futebol pode ser um fator desencadeante da restrição articular rotacional do quadril, e que a prática de alongamentos específicos pode amenizar a situação retrátil, nociva, do quadril nos jogadores de futebol. / Context: After years of focusing on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, the most common soccer-related injuries, the orthopedic community has concluded that soccer players have a wide range of variation in joint biomechanics and has thus started to focus research efforts on the morphological factors that might contribute to A CL trauma. One such factor is decreased hip rotation range of motion (ROM), which may be due to compensatory musculoskeletal changes occurring in response to longstanding soccer practice since childhood. Therefore, investigating these changes became a key element to the promotion of young athletes' health. Objective: This study sought to assess decreased hip rotation and the influence of stretching exercises on the behavior of the hip joint in players of the youth soccer sectors of a Brazilian soccer team. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: University hospital. Patients: 262 male soccer players. Interventions: Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups – control or a stretching program. Main outcome measures: Subjects were reassessed after 12 weeks. Results: Our findings suggest that hip rotation ROM decreases over the years in soccer players. In our sample, adherence to a stretching program improved external hip rotation ROM in the non -dominant limb. Conclusion: We conclude that playing soccer can restrict rotation ROM of the hip, and that adherence to stretching can mitigate the harmful effects on the hip joint.

É sugerido que sujeitos que apresentam uma musculatura mais rígida são mais suscetíveis ao dano muscular induzido pelo exercício (DMIE) do que aqueles indivíduos com musculatura mais complacente. Se através de um programa de treino de flexibilidade (TFlex) é possível tornar a musculatura mais complacente, é possível que um TFlex promova um efeito protetor sobre o DMIE? Desta forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de seis semanas de treino de flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais utilizando um alongamento estático, e se as alterações provenientes desse treino são capazes de alterar a resposta de DMIE. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 10 homens (idade 23,6 ± 3,9 anos, massa corporal 77,6 ± 12,5Kg, estatura 177,1 ± 6,8cm, gordura corporal 16,0 ± 8,2%), destreinados em força e flexibilidade. Como critério de inclusão, os sujeitos deveriam apresentar até 80° de ângulo de flexão de quadril em teste realizado de forma passiva. O estudo teve duração total de oito semanas, sendo que nas semanas inicial e final foram realizadas as avaliações pré e pós treinamento, e também na útima semana foram feitas as avaliações referentes ao DMIE. Na segunda semana iniciava o programa de TFlex com duração de seis semanas sendo duas sessões de treino por semana. Todos os indivíduos participaram do TFlex, sendo que um dos membros participou do treinamento (MT) e o outro membro não fez treinamento e serviu como controle (MC). Todas as sessões de TFlex foram realizadas no dinamômetro isocinético e o protocolo utilizado foi de oito séries de 60 segundos cada, sendo que a amplitude de movimento era mensurada em cada dia de treino. Antes de iniciar o programa de treino foram realizadas duas sessões de teste. Na primeira sessão foram realizadas as avaliações antropométricas, familiarização dos indivíduos com os procedimentos de coleta e foram realizadas as avaliações de espessura muscular, echo intensity, amplitude de movimento de flexão de quadril (ADMFlex), amplitude de extensão de joelho no dinamômetro isocinético (ADMExt), torque passivo máximo e relativo (TPMax e TPRelativo), contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) com simultânea aquisição de sinal eletromiográfico (EMG), pico de torque dinâmico (PT) e ângulo PT, e os mesmos testes foram reavaliados em uma nova sessão com pelo menos 48h de intervalo. Na semana imediatamente após o termino do TFlex, foram realizadas as avaliações pós- treino de flexibilidade, e, também nessa semana foi avaliado o efeito do DIME nos momentos pré, 0h, 24h, 48h e 72h após o exercício excêntrico. Resultados: O TFlex provocou aumento significante (p<0,05) de ADMFlex, ADMExt, e TPMax apenas no MT. Não foram observadas diferença (p>0,05) na CIVM, PT dinâmico, ângulo de PT, sinal EMG e espessura muscular em ambos os grupos do pré para o pós- treino. Após exercício excêntrico, foi observada significativa diminuição (p<0,05) de PT dinâmico, CIVM, ADMFlex e ADMExt, e significativo aumento (p<0,05) da dor e espessura muscular do bíceps femoral e do semitendíneo. Foi observada alteração da echo intensity 72h apenas no semitendíneo não houve alteração no sinal EMG. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre MT e MC para as alterações provocadas pela DIME. Conclusões: o treino de flexibilidade provocou aumento de ADM e torque passivo máximo, o que sugere que o aumento da ADM tenha ocorrido por adaptações neurais. Porém o TFlex não foi capaz de conferir efeito protetor quanto ao DMIE. / It is suggested that subjects with stiff muscle are more suscetible to exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) than those with more complient muscle. If it is possible that the muscle become more complient through a flexibility training (FT), is it possible to have a protective effect on EIMD? Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of six weeks of hamstring flexibility training using static stretching, and if the changes from the training are able to alter EIMD response. Methods: Ten untrained in strength and flexibility, men took part (age 23.6 ± 3.9 years, body mass 77.6 ± 12.5Kg, height 177.1 ± 6.8cm, body fat 16.0 ± 8.2%). As an inclusion criteria, the subjects should have until 80° of hip flexion on the passive straight-leg raise. The study lasted eight weeks, pre and post training evaluations took place in the first and in the last weeks, also in the last week EIMD evaluations were perfomend. In the second week, FT began with a total duration of six weeks with two training sessions per week. All subjects participated in the FT, wherein one limb took part of the training (TL) and the other limb participated as control (CON). All training sessions where performed in an isokinetic dynamometer and the protocol used was eigth sets of 60 seconds each, and the ROM was determined in each training session. Before initiate the training program, two testing sessions were performed. In the first session, anthropometric evaluation, familiarization with the data colection procedures, muscle thikness, echo intensity, hip flexion range of movement (ROMFlex), knee extension range of movement (ROMExt), maximum and relative passive torque (PTMax and PTRelative), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with simultaneous acquisition of electromyographic signal (EMG), dynamic peak torque (DPT) and peak torque angle were performed, and the same tests were reassessed in a new session with at least 48h interval. In the week immedately after the last FT session, post flexibility training were perfomed, and also in the final weeks was also evaluated the effects of EIMD, in pre, 0h, 24h, 48h and 72h post excentric exercise. Results: FT induced significant (p<0.05) increase in ROMFlex, ROMExt and PTMax only in the TL. It was not found difference (p>0.05) in PTRelative, MVIC, DPT, peak torque angle, EMG signal and muscle thikness in bouth groups from pre to post training. After excentric exercise, significant decrease (p<0.05) in DPT, MVIC, ROMFlex, ROMExt, significant (p<0.05) increase in pain, muscle thikness of the biceps femoris and of the semitendinous, for both groups. Sigfificant increase (p<0.05) in echo intensity for semitendineous after 72h were observed, and no significant (p>0.05) difference were found in the EMG signal. It was not found difference (p>0.05) in the alteration induced by EIMD between TL and CON. Conclusions: the flexibility training induced increase in ROM and PT, which suggests that these were neual adaptations. However, FT was not able to induce a protective effect on EIMD.