The Mystery of Abnormal Synergies in Multi-Muscle Activation

What are abnormal synergies in reference to multi-muscle activation?

How do abnormal synergies impact coordinated movements?

What treatments are available to address abnormal synergies?

Abnormal synergies refer to involuntary muscle responses occurring during multi-muscle activation, due to certain neurological disorders.

Abnormal synergies can complicate coordinated movements by causing certain muscles to become linked in their response.

Treatments often aim to restore independent muscle control in individuals with abnormal synergies.

Abnormal synergies, as the name suggests, refer to involuntary muscle responses that occur during the activation of multiple muscles. These responses are often linked to certain neurological disorders that affect motor control, such as strokes or cerebral palsy.

When abnormal synergies occur, they can have a significant impact on coordinated movements. Our brains typically coordinate muscle movements to produce smooth and purposeful motion. However, in cases of abnormal synergies, certain muscles become linked in their response. This can lead to situations where the activation of one muscle or muscle group unintentionally triggers the contraction of others. For example, in a scenario known as flexor synergy, attempting to bend the elbow may also cause involuntary flexing of the wrist and fingers. This can make everyday tasks challenging and disrupt a person's ability to perform movements smoothly.

In terms of treatments, the focus is often on restoring independent muscle control in individuals experiencing abnormal synergies. Rehabilitative therapies and interventions aim to break the patterns of abnormal synergies and help individuals regain control over their muscles. By addressing the underlying neurological factors contributing to abnormal synergies, these treatments strive to improve coordination and movement abilities.