03/04/2026
Many people use the terms range of motion and flexibility interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Range of motion (ROM) describes how much movement is allowed in a joint and is influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable factors such as bone and joint structure, soft tissue extensibility, neural control, strength, balance, pain perception, and temperature.
Flexibility is only one component of ROM, and flexibility training is not the same as stretching. ROM can be improved not only through stretching, but also through strength training, foam rolling, warm-ups, and other training methods.
Understanding modifiable and non-modifiable factors has important practical implications.
We need to identify what actually limits range of motion before trying to increase it. Otherwise, we may use the wrong interventions or try to change something that cannot be changed.
For example, if ankle dorsiflexion is insufficient for a deep squat but the limitation is caused by bone or joint structure, no amount of flexibility training will significantly change that.
In that case, technique adjustments or exercise modifications may be more appropriate than more stretching.
Instead of asking “Should I stretch more?”
we should ask:
“What is actually limiting my range of motion?”
Figure adapted and modified from Afonso et al., 2026.
📄For further read⤵️
https://doi.org/10.1007 s40279-026-02425-4