Muscle ImbalanceThe relationship between the tone or strength and length of the muscles around a joint is known as muscle balance. When examining an athlete we need to assess stationary and dynamic strength and length. Muscles can be divided into two types: mobilisers and stabilisers. These two groups of muscles have quite different characteristics.
MobilisersThe mobilisers are found close to the body's surface and tend to cross two joints. They are typically made up of fast twitch fibres that produce power but lack endurance. With time and use, they tend to tighten and shorten. The mobilisers assist rapid or ballistic movement and produce high force. StabilisersStabilisers, by contrast, are situated deeper, invariably only cross one joint and are made up of slow twitch fibres for endurance. They tend to become weak and long with time. Functionally the stabilisers assist postural holding and work against gravity. ImbalanceWhilst initially both groups of muscles work in a complementary fashion to stabilise and move, over time the mobilisers can inhibit the action of the stabilisers and begin to move and attempt to stabilise on their own. This inhibition of the stabilisers and preferential recruitment of the mobilisers is central to the development of "imbalance" and is the essence of what we want to detect and if possible reverse. Balance and StrengthAssessment of an athlete's muscle balance and strength should be conducted on a regular basis. Associated PagesThe following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
Associated BooksThe following books provide more information related to this topic:
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