Ch. 7 (G): Flexibility Training Concepts - Muscle Imbalance

1. Define "muscle imbalance".

Answer explanation

Alteration of muscle length surrounding a joint.

2. Muscle imbalances are alterations in the lengths of muscles surrounding a given joint, in which some are ___ & others may be ___.

Answer explanation

overactive (forcing compensation to occur) underactive (allowing for the compensation to occur)

3. Muscle imbalances can be caused by a variety of mechanisms. These causes may include the following 7:

Answer explanation

postural stress | emotional stress | repetitive movement | cumulative trauma | poor training technique | lack of core strength | lack of neuromuscular efficiency

4. Muscles imbalance may be caused by, or result in, the following 4:

Answer explanation

reciprocal inhibition, synergistic dominance, arthrokinematic dysfunction, & overall decreased neuromuscular control.

5. Define "reciprocal inhibition".

Answer explanation

The simultaneous contraction of one muscle & the relaxation of its antagonist to allow movement to take place. It is a naturally-occurring phenomenon.

*6. An example of reciprocal inhibition: To perform elbow flexion during a biceps curl, the biceps brachii actively contracts while the triceps brachii (the antagonist muscle) relaxes to allow the movement to occur.

Answer explanation

*6.

7. Define "altered reciprocal inhibition".

Answer explanation

The concept of muscle inhibition, caused by a tight agonist, which inhibits its functional antagonist.

*8. An example of altered reciprocal inhibition: A tight psoas (hip flexor) would decrease neural drive of the glutues maximus (hip extensor).

Answer explanation

*8.

9. What are the negative effects of altered reciprocal inhibition?

Answer explanation

Altered reciprocal inhibition alters force-couple relationships, produces synergistic dominance, & leads to the development of faulty movement patterns, poor neuromuscular control, & arthorokinetic (joint) dysfunction.

10. Define "synergistic dominance".

Answer explanation

The neuromuscular phenomenon that occurs when inappropriate muscles take over the function of a weak or inhibited prime mover.