Alterations of stiffness and resting position of the elbow joint following flexors resistance training

Juliana M. Ocarino, Sérgio T. Fonseca, Paula L.P. Silva, Marisa C. Mancini, Gabriela G.P. Gonçalves

This study investigated whether the modification of muscle stiffness and length induced by resistance training can alter joint stiffness and, theoretically, change joint resting position.  Thirty subjects were submitted to a resistance training of the elbow flexor muscles of the non-dominant arm. This training was performed in the inner range in group 1 and throughout the complete range of motion in group 2. The dominant arm of each subject was considered the control. There was a significant increase in joint stiffness of the experimental arm after complete range of motion training, which was not observed after the training performed in inner range. The resting position of the experimental arm was modified to a significantly greater flexion angle in both groups.

The results showed that modifications in joint stiffness seem to depend on the volume of work imposed to skeletal muscles. In addition, both models of resistance training changed, through different mechanisms, the elbow joint resting position. These findings suggest that posture and joint stability may be modified by specific strengthening protocols.

Manual Therapy, 2008, 13(5), 411-418

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