Affiliations: [a] Position Paper of the European Interdisciplinary
Society for Clinical and Sports Application (EIScsa)
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Andreas Schlumberger, EDEN Reha,
Rehabilitation Clinic, Lessingstrasse 39-41, D-93093 Donaustauf, Germany. Tel.:
+49 9403 3814; Fax: +49 9403 3811; E-mail: schlmb@aol.com
Abstract: Within the conceptual framework of muscular imbalances (MI) it is
commonly assumed that altered muscle performance characteristics (i.e. strength
deficits) are associated with a higher risk of overuse or traumatic injury or
re-injury. However, scientific literature reveals several difficulties which
question the general adequacy of this framework. According to recent lines of evidence it seems that 1)
quantification of balance of muscle performance is problematic and hence
classification of an imbalanced muscle function is also difficult 2) a clear
system which is able to differentiate between normal (balanced) or abnormal
(imbalanced) muscle performance cannot be established universally 3) it is
still not evident if and to what extent a relatively higher increase of
function of prime movers predisposes an athlete to a higher risk of injury 4)
assessment of muscle function in relation to the onset of musculoskeletal
disorders has to be based on several aspects of muscle function;
single-factor-related analysis (e.g. uniplanar strength ratio) reflects an
insufficient approach. As a consequence, this paper recommends a preliminary alternative
approach in an attempt to assess muscle function in relation to both
performance and injury prevention and muscular recovery after injury. Within a
multifactorial approach, detailed qualitative and quantitative observations
should reveal if arthro-neuromuscular function is in a state of adaptation,
de-adaptation or compensation and if joint function and/or whole body mechanics
are limited. In addition, emphasis has to be put on the importance of the
transfer of the results into structured treatment strategies.
