What is the desired outcome of stretching leg muscles after running?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Endurance
• C. Extensibility
• D. Strength

Answer: (C)

Stretching after running primarily targets increasing the extensibility of the leg muscles and their surrounding connective tissues. Extensibility is the tissue’s ability to lengthen when a stretch is applied, so when you hold and use stretches, the muscle–tendon unit becomes more compliant and can lengthen further. This greater length potential translates to a larger range of motion around the joints. So Extensibility is the best choice because it directly describes the tissue property being enhanced by stretching. Flexibility is related and often emerges from greater extensibility, but the immediate outcome of stretching the muscle-tendon units is their increased extensibility. Endurance and strength aren’t the primary effects of a post-run stretch routine.