This is usually necessary in two possible scenarios:
A muscle contraction takes place, which is controlled reflexively (via the three efferent pathways tractus vestibulospinalis, tractus reticulospinalis and tractus tectospinalis). This is a typical situation for “stability” that protects our joints, for example when a kickboxer tries to fend off a kick or punch. Our body reflexively ensures that the necessary muscle tension is maintained at the right time to protect our joints, bones, muscles and organs (see image).
Reflexive stabilization of the muscles serves to protect the musculoskeletal system (Image source: pexels.com)
2. situations in which we tense our muscles arbitrarily:
In this case, the muscle contraction is voluntary, i.e. performed under conscious control. A good example is a bodybuilder who consciously causes his muscles to contract (see image). High muscle tone is a key component in achieving hypertrophy (muscle growth).
With voluntary muscle contraction, increased muscle tone is desirable, e.g. to achieve a hypertrophy effect. (Image source: pexels.com)
In both situations, strength, i.e. high muscle tension, is required. However, if muscles are not actively used, they should not have any strength.
An exception to this are injuries or signs of overuse, which are characterized by edema, for example, which can also cause muscles to harden temporarily.
The quality of a muscle to relax at the right time is also a decisive criterion for a well-functioning neuro-muscular system and an efficient movement pattern.
In general, muscles should not have a high basic tension at rest. Furthermore, muscles or muscle groups that are not of central relevance for any given movement should not be additionally tensed.
This can be illustrated using the following example: If I stand upright and raise my right arm outstretched in front of my body (shoulder flexion), should my neck extensors become more toned?
Certainly not, there is no major reason why they should. A similar example: If I lift my head when lying on my back, should my toe flexors (flexor digitorum muscle) tense up? Certainly not, there is no reason why they should stabilize the body or the feet if I just lie quietly on my back and lift my head.
In reality, however, these “additional movements” actually happen; they are compensatory strategies that offer the nervous system protection. These are dysfunctions in movement control.
For further information see “The Conductor”: https://danielmueller-nbt.de/das-gehirn-der-dirigent-der-bewegungen/
The crucial point is that the muscle tension that can arise from compensatory contractions is controlled by the central nervous system. central nervous system is regulated. So if certain muscles or muscle groups have a higher tone, you have to ask yourself WHY the increase in tone was instructed by the CNS in the first place.
Especially when muscles are chronic, i.e. permanently “tight”, this is a sign that they are dysfunctional.
Muscles that are chronically hardened or tight can be either neuronally underactive (inhibited) or overactive (facilitated).
Muscles that are in high tone due to a PROTECTIVE REACTION of the nervous system usually only respond very weakly to TENSION because the cause of the high basic tension has not been resolved.
Here is a selection of muscles that are often stretched due to high tone, even though they are neuronally inhibited:
- M. Psoas major
- M. Latissimus dorsi
- M. Piriformis
- M. Gluteus medius
- M. Tensor fascia latae
- M. Rectus Femoris
- M. Tibialis posterior
- M. Flexor hallucis longus
Therefore, the ability to assess muscle status is a crucial quality that a movement coach should have in their repertoire in order to identify dysfunctions and compensation patterns in their clients’ musculoskeletal system.
This can be found out primarily by combining the following two methods:
- Muscle tests that focus on the neurological status of a muscle.
Muscle function tests, which focus on neuro-muscular control (NOT strength!), can be used to find out the status of the “fixed” muscles. It is important to know that a single muscle test says NOTHING about the neurological status of a muscle. Only in combination with other muscle tests or proprioceptive stimuli can you find out its actual status in the movement system.
- The ability to classify the status of muscle and connective tissue based on the sensation of touch and pressure (palpation)
A good sense of palpation and feeling for high and low tone in the myofascial tissue is also a crucial skill. The main aspect of palpatory examination should be those structures that have contractile qualities (myofascial tissue). A very good coach / therapist / movement trainer can even use his palpatory qualities to determine the condition of the tissue he is palpating (neuronally inhibited or overactive).
An excellent way to achieve the best results is to combine both methods.
In my work as a sports therapist / movement coach, I first use movement assessments to gain an overview of relevant movement patterns. The next step is a palpatory assessment to get an overview of the tone of the muscle tissue. With the areas in mind that I have noted due to high or particularly low tone, I then carry out targeted muscle tests in conjunction with the client’s injury history (taking into account scars, eye movements, falls, ligamentous apparatus, vestibular apparatus, etc.).
Once the main influencing factors for a movement control disorder have been identified, these need to be eliminated through targeted exercises.
Neurokinetic therapy is an excellent method of using muscle tests to determine the neurological status of a muscle and its interaction in the entire musculoskeletal system, while at the same time providing a toolbox for corrective exercises. I also recommend that every trainer/therapist constantly improve their palpatory skills.
Sporting greetings,
Daniel
