Table of Contents

1. My Personal Motivation for Stretching

2. History of Stretching

3. Types of Stretching and the Effects on Flexibility

4. Mechanisms Underlying Acute Changes in Range of Motion

5. Training-Related Range of Motion Changes and Mechanisms

6. Recommendations for Stretching Prescription

7. Stretching Effects on Injury Reduction and Health

8. Does Stretching Affect Performance?

9. Effect of Stretch Training on Performance

10. Other Flexibility Enhancing Techniques

11. Stretching Exercise Illustrations

About the Author

David G. Behm, PhD, is a University Research Professor at the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. He was a highly competitive athlete, was drafted into the Canadian Football League (1979) and won Canadian provincial championships in tennis (Saskatchewan: 1987) and squash (Newfoundland: 2000, 2002). His athletic background led him to an academic career in the areas of applied neuromuscular physiology and sport/exercise science. Dr. Behm has won a number of university, national, and international awards. He has published over 230 peer-reviewed scientific articles with over 14,000 citations. He consistently presents his research findings internationally and his work is often featured in popular fitness and health magazines, and online publications.