Which stretching is performed with the muscle actively producing the force?

• A. Active Stretching
• B. Passive Stretching
• C. Ballistic Stretching
• D. PNF

Answer: (A)

The question is about whose muscles generate the force to create the stretch. Active stretching means you produce the stretch with your own muscle activity, usually by actively contracting the opposing muscle group to lengthen the target muscle, so the force comes from inside your body. For example, to stretch the hamstrings, you actively contract the quadriceps to straighten the knee, lengthening the hamstrings without external help. In contrast, passive stretching relies on someone or something else to move you into the stretch; ballistic stretching uses bouncing to force a stretch; and PNF combines contraction and relaxation with a partner or trainer.