Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

"Avatar", a Modified Ex vivo Work Loop Experiments Using In vivo Strain and Activation
Published on: August 18, 2023
Some mechanical considerations on muscle coordination
1Centre of Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Acad. G. Bonchev str., bl. 105 Bulgaria.
Abstract:
This commentary emphasizes three points of discussion. (a) The terminology: The terms multifunctional, synergisic, antagonistic muscles, and synergistic and antagonistic coactivations are discussed and the conclusion is drawn that they could not be used without mentioning the particular joint motion. (b) The importance of the external joint moments for activation of the muscles is confirmed on the basis of logical and mechanical considerations. Not all-experimental results, however, could be explained by this means. (c) The optimization criterion: Prilutsky's conclusion concerning the predicted muscle force proportionality to the muscle moment arm and PCSA is confirmed using a simple analytical solution of the optimization problem. It is shown, however, that the proportionality to the PCSA is a consequence of the chosen optimization criterion.
Related Concept Videos
Muscle Coordination and Action
Agonists
Agonist muscles, often called prime movers, are the primary muscles responsible for producing a specific movement.
Motor Unit Stimulation
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
Overview of Skeletal Muscle
The Muscular System
Motor Units
Motor units come in different sizes, with smaller units...
Motor Units

