Which technique causes generalized inhibition and is not recommended for activating muscles?

The technique that causes generalized inhibition and is not recommended for activating muscles is slow stroking. This technique involves providing gentle, rhythmic strokes along the length of the muscle fibers or along the back, which promotes relaxation and can have a calming effect on the nervous system. As a result, slow stroking can lead to decreased muscle tone and inhibition, making it less effective for purposes that require muscle activation or facilitation.

In contrast, quick stretch techniques are designed to activate muscle responses through a brief and rapid elongation of the muscle, while maintained touch serves to provide a constant sensory input that can enhance awareness and facilitate muscle activation. Prolonged stretches are typically utilized to lengthen muscles and reduce tightness but are also not geared towards direct activation of muscles.

Thus, when considering techniques that are effective for muscle activation versus those that inhibit muscle response, slow stroking distinctly falls into the category that promotes generalized inhibition.