Sports Coach Blog
Website UpdatesMuscle Balance
The relationship between the strength and length of the muscles around a joint is known as muscle balance and when examining an athlete we need to assess both stationary and dynamic muscle balance (Kemp & Boynes 2000)[1].
Muscles
Muscles can be divided into two types: mobilisers and stabilisers.
Mobilisers
Mobilisers are found close to the body's surface and tend to cross two joints and are typically made up of fast twitch fibres that produce power but lack endurance. They assist rapid or ballistic movement and produce high force.
Stabilisers
Stabilisers are situated deeper, invariably only cross one joint, and are made up of slow twitch fibres for endurance and postural control.
Imbalance
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 what we want to prevent.
Balance and Strength
Assessment of an athlete's muscle balance and strength should be conducted on a regular basis.
Referenced Material
- KEMP, S. and BOYNES, C. (2000) Why detecting muscle imbalance is an essential part of an injury prevention strategy. Peak Performance, 128, p. 4-6
Page Reference
The reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (1999) Muscle Balance [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/musbal.htm [Accessed
Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
- Articles on Injury Prevention
- Cryotherapy
- Hot and Cold Contrast Baths
- Injury Prevention
- Muscle Cramp
- Muscle balance and Strength checks
- Over Training
- Recovery from Training
- Shin Splints
- Stitch
