Kinesiology of the Elbow:
By Brent Brookbush MS, PES, CES, CSCS, ACSM H/FS
Elbow Flexion:
- Prime Mover: Brachialis
- Synergists: Biceps brachii, brachioradialis
- Antagonists: Triceps, aconeus
- Neutralizers: Pronator quadratus and pronator teres neutralize supination force created by the biceps brachii. Some rotator cuff activation may be necessary to neutralize the flexion force created by the long head of the biceps on the shoulder joint.
- Stabilizers:
- Lateral - Extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris (via common extensor tendon)
- Medial - Pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, humeral head of flexor digitorum superficialis (via common flexor tendon
- Fixators: Muscles of the shoulder, scapula, and sternoclavicular joint
Elbow Extension
- Prime Mover: Triceps
- Synergist: Aconeus
- Antagonists: Brachialis, Biceps Brachii, Brachioradialis
- Neutralizers: Some rotator cuff activation may be necessary to neutralize the adduction and extension force created by the long head of the triceps on the shoulder joint.
- Stabilizers:
- Lateral - Extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris (via common extensor tendon)
- Medial - Pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, humeral head of flexor digitorum superficialis (via common flexor tendon
- Fixators: Muscles of the shoulder, scapula, and sternoclavicular joint
© 2011 Brent Brookbush
Questions, comments, and criticisms are welcomed and encouraged –