EXSC250: addressing muscle imbalances

human movement

requires a balance of muscle length and strength between opposing muscles surrounding a joint

muscular balance

normal amounts of opposing force between muscles to keep bones centered in joint during motion to allow body to move efficiently, display larger strength, and reduce injury risk

muscular imbalance

opposing muscles provide different directions of tension due to tightness, weakness and strength training

side to side imbalance

differences in left and right side

front to back imbalance

agonist v antagonist imbalance

upper and lower imbalance

upper body is weaker than lower body

biomechanical and neuromuscular

causes of muscular imbalance

biomechanical

repeated movement in 1 direction/sustain posture

neuromuscular

tight/weak muscle groups

strengthen and flexibity

corrective program for imbalance

body balance and symmetry

protocols to be proactive should focus on …

unilateral symmetry

important to develop enhanced performance and benefit isolating each limb during training

repetitive stress syndrome

pattern overload; weakened state of antagonist muscle with much stronger agonist