Based on the provided reference, an example that illustrates flexibility is when you can manually move a body part, such as pulling your thumb back to touch your wrist. Mobility, in contrast, is the ability to perform that same movement actively, without external help.
Understanding Flexibility vs. Mobility
It's important to distinguish between flexibility and mobility, as they are often confused but represent different aspects of movement capability.
Flexibility primarily refers to the passive range of motion in a joint or series of joints. This means how far you can move a limb or part of your body with the help of gravity, another person, or an external force (like your other hand). It is related to the length of your muscles and connective tissues.
Mobility, on the other hand, is the active range of motion. It's your ability to move a joint through its full range of motion using your own muscles, under control and without assistance. Mobility requires not just flexible tissues but also strength, coordination, and control throughout the movement.
| Feature | Flexibility | Mobility |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Passive | Active |
| Control | External force or assistance | Internal muscle control |
| Requirement | Tissue length/stretch | Flexibility + Strength + Control |
| Example | Pulling your thumb back | Moving your thumb back on its own |
The Thumb Example
The reference provides a clear illustration using the thumb:
- Flexibility Example: Flexibility is when you can pull your thumb back with your other hand, so it touches your wrist. This demonstrates the potential range of motion available at the thumb joint, highlighting the flexibility of the tissues around it. You are passively moving the joint beyond its natural active range using assistance.
- Mobility Contrast: In contrast, mobility is the ability to get your thumb to that exact same spot on your wrist without the help of the other hand. This requires not only the flexibility shown in the first example but also the active control and strength from the muscles around the thumb and wrist to perform the movement independently.
Therefore, the ability to passively move your thumb to your wrist is an example of flexibility.
