Muscle Strengthening Methods

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation	Primarily used for muscle reeducation; timing of contraction
Isometric	Slow tension build with sustained hold, followed by a slow release. "Rule of tens" - 2 second ramp up, 6 second hold, 2 second release; used when joint motion is contraindicated to prevent atrophy or loss of tensile strength from disuse and promote circulation Progression: single angle submaximal, multiple angle submaximal, and multiple angle maximal
Concentric/isotonic	Muscle shortening producing enough force to produce joint motion
Eccentric	Deceleration, controlled lowering against gravity; stimulates contractile and non-contractile elements
Isokinetic	Requires exercise equipment that maintains torque throughout the range of motion
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation	Manual resistance applied to promote stability or motion depending on the target outcome
Stabilization	Goal is to focus maintaining a closed-chain position in varying levels of support

Muscle Tissue Pathology

The number of sarcomeres decrease with disuse
The size of muscle cells decrease with disuse
Connective tissue (non-contractile) loses its tensile strength with disuse
Muscle tissue becomes stiffer (i.e., loses elasticity) with disuse
Disuse can be result from acute injury, immobilization, primary disease, a secondary effect from disease, and/or a lifestyle choice
Fast twitch muscle fibers (Type II) atrophy faster than slow twitch (Type I)

Classifications range from overstretch to tissue failure (tear)
Most common site of strain is where the muscle and tendon connect ("musculotendinous")
May result when there is