AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What defines passive (assisted) stretching?

1. Stretching done independently by the individual

2. Stretching that requires an external force or assistance

3. Stretching that increases muscle strength

4. Stretching that is only beneficial when warm

The correct answer is: Stretching that requires an external force or assistance

Passive (assisted) stretching is defined by the requirement of an external force or assistance to achieve the stretch. This external force can come from a partner, a trainer, props, or even gravity. The key characteristic of this type of stretching is that the individual does not actively engage their muscles to perform the stretch; instead, they rely on this external aid to help elongate the muscle fibers and joints beyond their resting state. This form of stretching can be particularly effective for increasing flexibility and range of motion because the individual can often achieve deeper stretches than they could by using their own muscular strength alone. It allows the individual to relax and focus on breathing while the muscles relax, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of the stretch. In contrast, the other options describe different concepts related to stretching. Stretching done independently by the individual refers to active stretching, which involves muscle engagement. Stretching that increases muscle strength is more accurately associated with strength training rather than stretching. Lastly, while warming up can enhance the benefits of stretching, passive stretching can still be beneficial irrespective of whether the body is warm or cooled down.