Active and Passive Insufficiency

Original Editor -Innocent Abugu

Top Contributors - Innocent Abugu, Lucinda hampton, Kim Jackson and Alicia Fernandes  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Lengthtension.jpeg

The terms active and passive insufficiency are important concepts in exercise programs: understanding the implications will help you design exercises that are more efficient and less injurious. Both active and passive insufficiency are functional states that occur in multi-joint muscles only.

  1. Active insufficiency occurs when a multi-joint muscle shortens over BOTH joints simultaneously, and hence, creates so much slack, that muscle tension is almost completely lost.
  2. Passive insufficiency occurs when the multi-joint muscle is lengthened to its fullest extent at both joints, but also preventing the full ROM of each joint it crosses.[1]

Image: Length Tension Curve of muscle - The key feature of the length-tension relationship is the extra force that can be exerted during muscular contractions when the passive elements are able to contribute, which occurs when the muscle is elongated to long lengths during normal strength training, and also during eccentric training.[2]

Active Insufficiency[edit | edit source]

Active insufficiency biceps.jpeg

The active insufficiency of a muscle that crosses two or more joints occurs when the muscle produces simultaneous movement at all the joints it crosses and reaches such a shortened position that it no longer has the ability to develop effective tension[3]. When a prime mover (agonist) becomes shortened to the point that it cannot generate or maintain active tension, active insufficiency is reached.

Image 2: Biceps at active insufficiency

  • The shortening of the Rectus femoris limits full hip flexion when the knee is fully extended.
  • Maximal shoulder flexion cannot be achieved simultaneously with maximal elbow flexion due to the shortening of the Biceps Brachii.
  • Maximal knee flexion and maximal plantar flexion are limited due to the shortening of the gastrocnemius.
  • Full knee flexion and full hip extension cannot be achieved simultaneously due to the shortening of the hamstrings.
    [4]

Passive Insufficiency[edit | edit source]

Passive insufficiency pose.jpeg

When the opposing muscle (antagonist) is stretched to a point where it can no longer lengthen and allow further movement, passive insufficiency is reached. This limitation is a normal property of multijoint muscles and helps optimize the relation between muscle length and tension.[5] Passive insufficiency occurs when a multi-joint muscle is lengthened to its fullest extent at both joints, but also preventing the full range of motion of each joint it crosses.[6]

Image: Quadriceps passive insufficiency - Most of use would have reached our quadriceps length of passive insufficiency by now.

  • Full finger flexion cannot be achieved if wrist flexion occurs simultaneously.
  • Maximal hip flexion and maximal knee extension are limited by the lengthening of the Hamstrings.
  • Full knee flexion is limited by the stretching of the Rectus femoris if the hip is fully extended.

[7]

Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

During rehabilitation, each joint should be moved individually through its available range of motion in order to optimally improve or maintain the amount of range of motion at that joint.

  • Try to Avoid Active Insufficiency in Exercise: Compound exercises by their nature will recruit muscles in a more natural and efficient manner.
  • Isolation exercises, while holding importance for goals like bodybuilding and targeting weakened muscles, may not always be a great choice for a strength, general fitness, or weight-loss clients[1].
  • Resting length produces optimal force in muscles.
  • When considering sports activities like sprinting or kicking a ball, passive insufficiency of the hamstring complex can cause injury.
  • If a client seems to consistently struggle with particular movements you can determine if active or passive insufficiency is playing a role and adjust accordingly.[1]

Practical examples[edit | edit source]

1. Addressing Active Insufficiency in Hamstrings during Knee Flexion:

   Explanation:If a patient has active insufficiency in the hamstrings, limiting full knee flexion due to shortening, rehabilitation should focus on exercises that isolate and stretch the hamstrings while allowing knee flexion. For instance, seated or lying hamstring stretches with the knee flexed can help target this muscle group[8]

2. Mitigating Passive Insufficiency in the Quadriceps:

   Explanation: If passive insufficiency of the quadriceps is identified, restricting full knee flexion, physiotherapists can design rehabilitation exercises that involve gradual knee flexion while avoiding simultaneous hip extension. Seated leg presses or leg curls can be suitable options[9]

3. Active Insufficiency of the Biceps Brachii:

   Explanation:In cases where active insufficiency limits simultaneous maximal shoulder flexion and elbow flexion, rehabilitation exercises should focus on isolating these movements. For example, performing seated dumbbell curls can effectively target the biceps without compromising joint range[10]

4. Passive Insufficiency in Gastrocnemius during Dorsiflexion:

   -Explanation:Addressing passive insufficiency of the gastrocnemius during dorsiflexion involves exercises that emphasize ankle dorsiflexion while minimizing knee extension. Seated ankle stretches or dorsiflexion exercises with a flexed knee can help optimize the range of motion[11]

   These practical examples demonstrate how understanding active and passive insufficiency guides the selection of exercises to target specific muscles and joints during rehabilitation. This tailored approach enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Case Studies[edit | edit source]

Case Study 1: Hamstring Active Insufficiency in Posterior Chain Rehabilitation:[edit | edit source]

Patient Profile:A 45-year-old male, avid runner, presented with hamstring tightness and difficulty achieving full hip flexion during running, limiting his performance and causing discomfort.

Rehabilitation Strategy: Physiotherapists identified active insufficiency in the hamstrings, restricting full hip flexion. The rehabilitation plan included targeted hamstring stretching exercises with a focus on isolated hip flexion to address the active insufficiency[12]

Case Study 2: Quadriceps Passive Insufficiency in Knee Extension:[edit | edit source]

Patient Profile: A 35-year-old female, post-knee surgery, experienced difficulty achieving full knee extension during rehabilitation exercises, limiting her ability to regain functional mobility.

Rehabilitation Strategy: Passive insufficiency of the quadriceps was identified as a limiting factor. The rehabilitation plan included exercises that gradually increased knee flexion while minimizing hip extension to optimize quadriceps function[13]

Case Study 3: Biceps Brachii Active Insufficiency in Arm Flexion:[edit | edit source]

Patient Profile: A 28-year-old male, post-shoulder surgery, faced challenges in achieving simultaneous maximal shoulder flexion and elbow flexion during daily activities, affecting his range of motion.

Rehabilitation Strategy: Active insufficiency of the biceps brachii was identified as a contributing factor. The rehabilitation plan involved isolated exercises that focused on maximizing shoulder flexion and elbow flexion independently to address the active insufficiency.[14]

These case studies demonstrate how active and passive insufficiency can be identified in clinical scenarios, leading to targeted rehabilitation strategies. Such real-world examples help bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application in patient care.


References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 NFPT Understanding Active and Passive Insufficiency Available from:https://www.nfpt.com/blog/understanding-active-and-passive-insufficiency (accessed 6.5.2021)
  2. Askinglot Length tension curve Available from: https://askinglot.com/what-is-the-length-tension-curve (accessed 6.5.2021)
  3. Clarkson HM. Musculoskeletal assessment: joint range of motion and manual muscle strength. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000.
  4. GUStrenght. What is Active Insufficiency of Muscle. Available from: https://youtu.be/FT7OABz8I5k
  5. med dictionary Available from:https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/passive+insufficiency (accessed 6.5.2021)
  6. 1. Rogers M, Rogers M. Understanding Active and Passive Insufficiency [Internet]. National Federation of Professional Trainers. 2020 [cited 17 September 2020]. Available from: https://www.nfpt.com/blog/understanding-active-and-passive-insufficiency
  7. Dr. Veronica Foster. Biomechanics Lecture 19 - Active and Passive Insufficiency. Available from:https://youtu.be/vCEYDZvox2s
  8. Author: Kisner C, Colby LA: 2017: Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques  
  9. Prentice WE.2017: Rehabilitation Techniques for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training
  10. Author: Neumann DA: 2016: Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation    
  11. Levangie PK, Norkin CC:2016: Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis
  12. Kisner C, Colby LA: 2017Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques
  13. Prentice WE: 2017: Rehabilitation Techniques for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training
  14. Neumann DA : 2016: Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation