ME - Contracture

Question 1

What is muscle contraction

Answer 1

Shortening and/or development of tension in muscle

Question 2

What is a contracted muscle

Answer 2

A physiological response to neuromuscular excitation that prevents the muscle from reaching its normal relaxed length

Question 3

What is a contracture

Answer 3

Tightening or shortening of muscle leading to joint stiffness and restriction in motion

Question 4

What does Sherrington’s law state

Answer 4

When one set of muscles is stimulated, muscles opposing them are simultaneously inhibited

Question 5

What is the Golgi Tendon Organ

Answer 5

A spindle-shaped end organ within a tendon that provides information about muscle tension

Question 6

What occurs during a concentric muscle contraction

Answer 6

The muscle contracts while the distance between origin and insertion decreases

Question 7

What happens during an eccentric muscle contraction

Answer 7

The muscle contracts while the distance between origin and insertion increases

Question 8

What defines isometric muscle contraction

Answer 8

The muscle contracts while maintaining the same length between origin and insertion

Question 9

What is isotonic muscle contraction

Answer 9

The force of contracted muscle is maintained at the same amount throughout the contraction

Question 10

What is isokinetic contraction

Answer 10

Concentric contraction against resistance with a constant angular rate of joint motion

Question 11

What is isolytic contraction

Answer 11

Eccentric contraction where a stronger counterforce lengthens the muscle, often used for treating fibrotic or shortened tissues

Question 12

What are monoarticular muscles

Answer 12

Muscles that cross one joint, often key in maintaining Type 2 segmental dysfunctions

Question 13

What are polyarticular muscles

Answer 13

Muscles that cross multiple joints, often key in maintaining Type 1 group dysfunctions

Question 14

What is the goal of post-isometric relaxation

Answer 14

Muscle relaxation

Question 15

What is the proposed mechanism of post-isometric relaxation

Answer 15

After an isometric contraction, the neuromuscular apparatus enters a refractory state, allowing passive stretching without strong opposition

Question 16

What is the first step in post-isometric relaxation

Answer 16

Position the bone, joint, or muscle at the feather edge of the restrictive barrier in all three planes

Question 17

What should the patient do during post-isometric relaxation

Answer 17

Contract in the direction of ease for 3-5 seconds

Question 18

What is the role of the physician during post-isometric relaxation

Answer 18

Reposition to the feather edge of the new restrictive barrier after the patient relaxes

Question 19

What is joint mobilization using muscle force aimed at

Answer 19

Restoration of joint motion in articular dysfunction

Question 20

What is the mechanism behind joint mobilization using muscle force

Answer 20

Gapping or reseating distorted joint relations with reflex relaxation of hypertonic musculature

Question 21

What is the goal of reciprocal inhibition

Answer 21

To lengthen muscle shortened by cramp or acute spasm

Question 22

What triggers reciprocal inhibition

Answer 22

Gentle contraction of the antagonist muscle, causing reflex relaxation of the spastic muscle

Question 23

What is the crossed extensor reflex

Answer 23

A reflex where contraction in one limb results in the relaxation of the flexor and contraction of the extensor in the contralateral limb

Question 24

What is the goal of crossed extensor reflex

Answer 24

To treat muscles located in extremities that are severely injured and not directly manipulable

Question 25

What is the goal of isokinetic strengthening

Answer 25

To re-establish normal tone and strength in muscles weakened by reflex hypertonicity of the opposing muscle group

Question 26

What defines isokinetic strengthening

Answer 26

Isokinetic contraction where length change occurs at constant velocity, typically using concentric contractions

Question 27

What is the goal of isolytic lengthening

Answer 27

To lengthen muscle shortened by contracture and fibrosis

Question 28

What is the mechanism of isolytic lengthening

Answer 28

Vibration is used to affect myotatic units, with mechanical and circulatory effects

Question 29

What is the force of contraction in isolytic lengthening

Answer 29

Maximal contraction that can be comfortably resisted by the physician (30 to 50 lb)

Question 30

What is the goal of using muscle force to move one region of the body

Answer 30

Achieve movement of another bone or region

Question 31

What is the purpose of post-isometric relaxation repetition

Answer 31

Further stretching and lengthening the muscle

Question 32

What should be reassessed after post-isometric relaxation

Answer 32

The muscle and joint position after returning to neutral

Question 33

What is the purpose of joint mobilization

Answer 33

To reduce reflex hypertonicity and restore proper joint function

Question 34

What is the significance of the feather edge in muscle energy techniques

Answer 34

It is the initial point of resistance where the technique is applied

Question 35

What happens during muscle relaxation after contraction

Answer 35

The muscle can be passively stretched with less opposition

Question 36

What is the common use for isolytic contraction

Answer 36

Treatment of fibrotic or chronically shortened myofascial tissues

Question 37

What is the importance of Golgi Tendon Organs during muscle contraction

Answer 37

They provide feedback on muscle tension and trigger reflex relaxation

Question 38

What is the outcome of increased muscle tone compressing joint surfaces

Answer 38

Thinning of synovial fluid layer and adherence of joint surfaces

Question 39

What is the role of the physician in joint mobilization

Answer 39

To anchor and resist movement at one end while permitting motion at the dysfunction level

Question 40

What is the purpose of muscle energy techniques

Answer 40

To restore normal muscle length, joint mobility, and overall function