Neuromuscular Inhibition

Neuromuscular Inhibition: A reduction in tone, neural drive, muscle activity, muscle recruitment, and/or force output due to altered neuromuscular reflex and an increase in inhibitory signals (increased excitation threshold of alpha-motor neurons).

• Note the term "neuromuscular inhibition" is actually a label for the category of neuromuscular reflexes that result in inhibitory signals. That is, neuromuscular inhibition is not another neuromuscular reflex; it encompasses all neuromuscular reflexes.

These alterations in neuromuscular reflex may include altered reciprocal Inhibition , autogenic inhibition , arthrogenic inhibition , nociceptive motor control alterations , and/or stretch reflex . And, these alterations may result from an increase in agonist activity, agonist tone/tension, altered arthrokinematic (joint) motion, pain, and/or altered muscle length. Generally, these changes are due to fatigue, dysfunction, injury, or surgery.

• For example, in those exhibiting signs of cervical dysfunction, the altered position of the scapula is, in part, the result of "neuromuscular inhibition" of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior.

Additional neuromuscular reflexes:

• Reciprocal Inhibition
• Autogenic Inhibition
• Arthrogenic Inhibition
• Nociceptive Motor Control Alterations
• Stretch Reflex
• Neuromuscular Inhibition

For more on stretch reflex, check out these courses:

• Lesson 5: Basics of the Human Movement Systems
• Lesson 20: More on the Human Movement Systems

Related Technique Courses

Muscles Assessed as "inhibited" are often treated with "activation techniques ," with the intent of increasing neural drive.

• Deep Neck Flexor Exercises (Activation)
• Shoulder External Rotator Exercises (Activation)
• Serratus Anterior Exercises (Activation)
• Gluteus Medius Exercises (Activation)
• Gluteus Maximus Exercises (Activation)
• Transverse Abdominis (TVA) Activation: Quadruped Exercise and Progressions
• Trapezius Exercises (Activation)
• Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) and Tibial Internal Rotator Exercises (Activations)
• Tibialis Anterior Exercises (Activation)
• Tibialis Posterior Exercises (Activation)