Glossary Term
Prime Mover
The prime mover muscle is the muscle that can produce the most force for a given joint action and is most responsible for the movement of a joint under load. For example, the gluteus maximus is the prime mover in the glute bridge exercise. Synonyms include agonist muscle, primary muscle, and mover muscle. Related terms include synergist muscle, antagonist muscle, and isometric contraction.
Prime Mover: The muscle most responsible for a joint action under load. That is, the muscle that can produce the most force for a given joint action. Often this term is used synonymously with the term agonist. For example, the gluteus maximus is the prime mover in the "Ultimate Glute Bridge " exercise.
The prime mover as defined above, may or may not be the most active muscle for a joint action during activities of daily living. Example: the gluteus maximus is the most powerful hip extensor and therefore the prime mover; however, the hamstrings are likely the most active hip extensors during low level activities like walking or standing.
Comments
Synonyms
- Agonist muscle
- Primary muscle
- Mover muscle
- Agonists