Lisätyölihakset

Lisätyölihakset, often translated as accessory muscles or auxiliary muscles, are muscles that assist prime movers during physical activity. While prime movers are the main muscles responsible for a specific movement, lisätyölihakset contribute to the efficiency, stability, and overall execution of that movement. They can either help the prime mover directly or stabilize the body to allow the prime mover to work more effectively.

These muscles are not the primary drivers of a particular joint action but play a crucial supporting role. For example, in lifting a heavy object, the primary muscles in the arms and back are the prime movers. However, muscles in the shoulders, core, and legs might act as lisätyölihakset, providing stability to the torso and ensuring proper posture, which in turn allows the prime movers to generate more force.

The involvement of lisätyölihakset can vary depending on the intensity and complexity of the activity. During strenuous or prolonged efforts, these accessory muscles are more likely to be recruited to share the workload and prevent fatigue in the prime movers. In some cases, especially in athletic performance, the development and coordination of lisätyölihakset are critical for achieving optimal strength, power, and injury prevention. Understanding the role of these muscles is important in fields like physical therapy, sports training, and biomechanics.