Muscle co-activation in neurological conditions

Busse, Monica ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5331-5909, Wiles, Charles Mark and Van Deursen, Robert William Martin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9461-0111 2005. Muscle co-activation in neurological conditions. Physical Therapy Reviews 10 (4) , pp. 247-253. 10.1179/108331905X78915

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Abstract

Co-activation of agonist and antagonist muscles in healthy people is considered a normal strategy that aids movement efficiency during the performance of functional activities. In some cases, however, it is an abnormal strategy that aids stability and/or precision but not efficiency of movement. Co-activation varies not only between agonist and antagonist pairs, but within a pair from time to time, and depending on a range of factors. Muscle co-activation strategies are used when uncertainty in relation to execution of a specific task occurs, during the learning of a new skill or as compensation. Movement dysfunction in neurological conditions may coincide with abnormal levels of co-activation. It is unclear at what level co-activation assists or impedes functional ability, and to what extent reduced agonist excitation and antagonist co-activation combine to cause significant weakness. A major limitation in understanding the mechanisms of co-activation in neurologically impaired individuals is the wide range of methods that are used to determine levels of antagonist activation and hence co-activation levels. The muscle action, joint position, contraction type and testing conditions may influence the antagonist EMG recorded. This review investigates the methods routinely used to quantify co-activation, and relevant findings, particularly with respect to neurologically impaired individuals. Inconsistencies in methods used limit comparison between studies, but it is clear that whilst co-activation may occur alongside clinical features in neurological conditions, it is often viewed as a task-related strategy used to cope with the complexity of a task. This review highlights whether the use of co-activation strategies should be considered useful contributions to successful rehabilitation.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT; MUSCLE WEAKNESS; NEUROLOGY; CO-ACTIVATION; CO-CONTRACTION
Publisher:	Maney Publishing
ISSN:	1083-3196
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2022 08:49
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/29750

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