Stability and Movement Dysfunction Related to the Elbow & Forearm

Researchers and clinicians have explored an understanding movement and function for many years (Comerford & Mottram 2001a, Hodges 1999, Janda 1994, Jull 2000, O’Sullivan et al. 1997, Richardson et al. 1999, Sahrmann 2001). Identifying and correcting stability dysfunction is an important component in managing musculoskeletal pain problems and in recent years this has been well documented in the literature (Comerford & Mottram 2001a,b, O’Sullivan et al. 1997, O’Sullivan 2000, Richardson et al. 1999, Jull 2000). Stability and stability dysfunction are poorly defined in the literature. Stability here is best described as central nervous system modulation of efficient low threshold recruitment and integration of local and global muscle systems. This integrated activity has the function of controlling the inter-segmental articular neutral zone, providing low threshold co-contraction to control posture and alignment, and provide co-ordinated patterns of recruitment to concentrically produce range of motion and eccentrically decelerate motion and control excessive range of motion. Thus instability can be defined as inefficient low threshold recruitment or co-ordinated integration of the local and global stability muscle systems. Much of the literature has focused on the spine and little has focused on stability dysfunction in the peripheral joints. This paper attempts to identify stability dysfunction related the elbow and forearm.