Chapter 8
Muscular Analysis of Upper
Extremity Exercises
Muscular Balance
Contralateral
Assessment
10-15% difference
Agonist to
Antagonist Ratio
Anterior to Posterior
Development
Activity Analysis Concepts

Muscles are usually grouped (aggregate) according to
their concentric function (agonists) and work in paired
opposition to an antagonistic muscle group.




Elbow Flexion
Shouler Extension
Supination
Cooperative Teamwork

Agonists:
• Concentric contraction

Antagonists:
• Lengthening without tension:
• Lengthening under tension:
Kinetic Chain Concept

Body Extremities – Several bony segments linked by
a series of joints. These are likened unto a linkage
system of a chain.

Open Kinetic Chain
Chain: Distal end of the extremity is NOT
fixed to any surface
• Core of body and proximal segment are stabilized
• Any joint in the extremity can move or function separately
without causing movement in other joints of the extremity.
• Allow you to isolate a particular joint (muscle or muscle
group)
• Sheer forces and distractive forces are acting on the
joint

Closed Kinetic Chain:
Chain Distal end of the extremity is
fixed
• Movement of one joint causes predictable movement in
other joints of the extremity.
• Involves several joints and muscle groups – how most
activity occurs
• Joint is more stable due to compressive forces from
weight bearing.
Analysis of Movement
1. Analyze movement of each
involved joint by individual
movement phase
2. Determine which muscles are
performing the movement
3. Know what type of muscle
contraction is occurring
4. Understand role of antagonists,
synergists, stabilizers,
neutralizers, etc.
5. Know exercises to strengthen
and stretch the involved muscles
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Movement Phases

Stance Phase

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Preparatory Phase (cocking or wind-up)

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Summation of force – near maximal concentric muscle
activity of involved muscles
Follow-Through Phase (deceleration)



Place the involved muscles in stretch position in
preparation for concentric muscle contraction
Movement Phase (acceleration or action)


Balanced body position from which to initiate
skill/movement
Relatively static phase accomplished through isometric
contractions
Begins immediately following climax of movement phase
Eccentric muscle contraction of antagonistic muscles to
movement
Recovery Phase


Regain balance and positioning
Muscles used to eccentrically decelarate movement
essentially used concentrically to initiate return to normal
position
Baseball Pitch
Movement Phases
 Lifting

Phase:
concentric contraction overcoming resistance,
causing movement
 Lowering

Phase:
eccentric contraction controlling resistance
Dips
Bench Press
Pull up