Agonism and Antagonism of the Muscles of the Elbow Joint: An SEMG Approach

The relationship among the muscles of any joint such as the elbow joint reflects the range of motion energy expenditure of these muscles. It can be fairly stated that SEMG (surface electromyography) is a technology that enables the measurements of any muscle range of motion (ROM) and the synergism (agonism) and antagonism relationships among these muscles. The magnitude of the amplitude potentials of any motion of any muscle is relevant in the assessment of the total energy expenditure for any given motion in ergonomic terms and in clinical terms. The joints function best in terms of effectiveness and efficiency when any motion is performed with the least effort at the least fatigue potential. SEMG permits the measurement of the energy expenditure. Aside from the actual energy used, the relationships of any two muscles of the joint during the range of motion can be assessed in terms of correlation coefficients, thus enabling the clinician or ergonomist to evaluate the synergism or antagonism of the muscles in question for the ROM tested. Understanding the magnitude of the agonism and antagonism is highly relevant in ergonomics as well as in the process of rehabilitation of the muscles of any joint.