Strengthening methods

•The art of training or strengthening muscles lies in creating the condition s under which they are called upon to work to full capacity against on ever- increasing resistance.

•Increase in strength andhyper-trophy occur in response to an increase in intra muscular tension set up by the factors which oppose their contraction.

•It is,therefore essential that these opposing factors,which constitute the resistance must be increased as the strength of the muscles improves, An increase in resistance which is too rapid results in overloading which prevents contraction and may damage the muscles, under loading will not increase strength,but may be sufficient to prevent wasting of muscles.

•At the beginning of treatment assessment of the strength of the muscles is essential.

•A suitable resistance is then selected,which includes consideration of the poundage of the resisting force,the leverage, the speed and the duration of the movement,As treatment continues,progression of one or all of these factors in made as muscles strength develops.

•Account must be taken of all work the muscles in question are called upon to do, whether it be exercise in the physiotherapy department, occupational therapy, specific home exercise work or the ordinary activities of everyday life.

•Re- education may be regarded as a continuous us process which attempted initiation of contraction, and extends until maximum function is achieved.

•The exact stages in this re-education process at which any particular muscles group begins is determined by the finding at the assessment made when treatment begins.