How does active stretching differ from passive stretching?

How does active stretching differ from passive stretching?

• A. Passive stretching lengthens a muscle via contraction
• B. Active stretching uses external force
• C. Passive stretching lengthens a muscle via contraction
• D. Active stretching lengthens a muscle by the contraction of its own agonist

Answer: (D)

Active stretching relies on the muscle being stretched actively contributing to the movement through its own contraction. In this approach, the agonist muscle contracts to guide the joint into a longer position, helping the muscle reach a greater length without relying on external force. This contrasts with passive stretching, where an outside force (gravity, a partner, or a strap) lengthens the muscle while it remains relaxed. The other statements misstate where the force comes from or which muscle is doing the work, so describing active stretching as lengthening a muscle through the contraction of its own agonist best fits the intended distinction.

Active stretching relies on the muscle being stretched actively contributing to the movement through its own contraction. In this approach, the agonist muscle contracts to guide the joint into a longer position, helping the muscle reach a greater length without relying on external force. This contrasts with passive stretching, where an outside force (gravity, a partner, or a strap) lengthens the muscle while it remains relaxed. The other statements misstate where the force comes from or which muscle is doing the work, so describing active stretching as lengthening a muscle through the contraction of its own agonist best fits the intended distinction.