Antagonistic Muscle Action Flashcards
Agonist
(Prime Mover)
> The contracting muscle that is responsible for the movement taking place.
Antagonist
> The muscle that relaxes to allow the movement to take place.
(by opposing the agonist to prevent overstretching).
Fixator
(Stabiliser)
> The muscle that stabilises a joint by eliminating any unwanted movement at the joint.
Synergist
(Helper)
> Works with the agonist by supporting its action - (by neutralising any unwanted movement at the joint, and assisting to agonist to perform the desired movement.
Flexion of the arm at the elbow
Agonist = Bicep Brachii
Antagonist = Tricep Brachii
e.g. Upwards phase of a bicep curl
Extension of the arm at the elbow
Agonist = Tricep Brachii
Antagonist = Bicep Brachii
e.g. Downwards phase of a bicep curl
Flexion of the leg at the knee
Agonist = Hamstring Group
Antagonist = Quadricep group
e.g. Preparing to kick a football
Extension of the leg at the knee
Agonist = Quadricep Group
Antagonist = Hamstring Group
e.g. Follow through after kicking a football
Flexion of the leg at the hip
Agonist = Psoas Major
Antagonist = Gluteus
e.g. Long jump (flight phase)
Extension of the leg at the hip
Agonist = Gluteus
Antagonist = Psoas Major
e.g. Preparing to kick a football
Dorsi-flexion of the foot at the ankle
Agonist = Tibialis Anterior
Antagonist = Gastrocnemius
e.g. Leading foot in hurdles
Planter-flexion of the foot at the ankle
Agonist = Gastrocnemius
Antagonist = Tibialis Anterior
e.g. Pike jump in trampolining
Horizontal flexion of the arm at the shoulder
Agonist = Pectoralis
e.g. Release phase of a discus throw
Horizontal extension of the arm at the shoulder
Agonist = Trapezius
e.g. Preparation phase of a discus throw
Abduction of the arm at the shoulder
Agonist = Deltoid
e.g. Outward movement of a star jump/breaststroke
