Chapter 5: Activation Techniques

Question 1

Intramuscular Coordination

Answer 1

Ability of the neuromuscular system to allow optimal levels of motor unit recruitment and synchronization within a muscle.

Question 2

Motor Unit Activation

Answer 2

Progressive activation of a muscle by successive recruitment of contractile units (motor units) to accomplish increasing gradations of contractile strength.

Question 3

Activation

Answer 3

Refers to the stimulation of under-active / lengthened myofascial tissue.

Question 4

Mennell’s Four Basic Truisms

Answer 4

(1) When a joint is not free to move, the muscles that move it cannot be free to move it; (2) Muscles cannot be restored to normal if the joints that they move are not free to move; (3) Normal muscle function is dependent on normal joint movement; (4) Impaired muscle function perpetuates and may cause deterioration in abnormal joints.

Question 5

Precautions for Isolated Strengthening

Answer 5

Special populations, neuromuscular disorders, clients with poor core strength, etc.

Question 6

Contraindications for Isolated Strengthening

Answer 6

Acute injury or muscle strain, acute rheumatoid arthritis, impaired joint motion, pain produced during the movement, etc.

Question 7

Frequency for Isolated Strengthening

Answer 7

Three to five days per week, one to two sets, 10 to 15 repetitions; four seconds eccentric, two seconds isometric, one second concentric.