Ballistic stretching
Oxford Food & Fitness Dictionary:
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ballistic stretching
Ballistic stretching involves quick, bouncing movements that often take a joint beyond its normal range. Such stretching has been popularized in the workouts of some famous people, but it is potentially harmful because the bouncing movements can result in a protective reflex which causes antagonistic muscles to be torn as they attempt to contract against the direction of the stretch (stretch reflex). Most qualified exercise teachers and coaches advocate static stretching which is a much safer and more effective way of improving flexibility.
Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine:
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ballistic stretching
dynamic stretching
A potentially injurious type of stretching in which an individual performs quick bouncing actions, which force muscles to lengthen. The lengthened muscle reflexively contracts (see stretch reflex), thus shortening and increasing the risk of muscle tears. The momentum generated by the movements may also damage tissue by carrying joints beyond their maximum range of motion. Compare static stretching.
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Ballistic stretching
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Ballistic stretching is a form of passive stretching or dynamic stretching in a bouncing motion. Ballistic stretches force the limb into an extended range of motion when the muscle has not relaxed enough to enter it. It involves fast "bouncing" movements where a double bounce is performed at the end range of movement. Ballistic stretching should only be used by athletes who know their own limitations and with supervision by their trainer.
Ballistic stretching has been found to be hazardous towards the body. It can injure vital muscles and nerves with the sharp jerking movements. It is even possible for tissue to be ripped off the bone.
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Oxford Food & Fitness Dictionary
Food and Fitness: A Dictionary of Diet and Exercise. Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
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Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine
The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved.
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