GYMNASTIC EXERCISES AND THERAPEUTIC GYMNASTICS. 587 



angle; with the elbow-joint in a position of greater flexion, however, 

 the rotation is forward. 



A diarticular muscle when sufficiently contracted will move the bone 

 situated between the two joints in the same manner as that on which it is 

 inserted. This associated movement impairs the strength of the princi- 

 pal movement; and, conversely, the latter is strongest when the former is 

 inhibited. The muscles that effect this inhibition have been designated 

 by H. E. Hering pseudo-antagonists. They take part involuntarily in 

 every movement, in order to limit the associated movement. 



7. Syner gists is the designation applied to those muscles that, collec- 

 tively, serve to exercise a certain kind of movement; for example the 

 flexors of the leg, the calf -muscles, and others. Also the abdominal 

 muscles, including the diaphragm, in contracting to diminish the size 

 of the abdominal cavity, as in the act of straining; also the inspiratory 

 and the expiratory muscles may be regarded as synergists. The dif- 

 ferent heads of a muscle, or the two bellies of a digastric muscle, may 

 also be considered from this point of view. 



Antagonists, on the other hand, is the designation applied to those 

 muscles that in contracting have an effect opposite to that of other 

 muscles. Thus, flexors and extensors, pronators and supinators, ad- 

 ductors and abductors, elevators and depressors, sphincters and dilators, 

 inspirators and expirators, are antagonists. 



When it is desired to develop the action of a muscle in its full force, 

 it is customary to place it involuntarily first in a state of greatest pos- 

 sible extension, as it is from this condition that the muscle is really 

 capable of developing the greatest amount of force. Conversely, in 

 the execution of delicate movements, requiring the smallest possible 

 amount of force, a position is chosen in which the muscle in question is 

 already contracted to a considerable extent. 



All of the fascias of the body are attached to muscles, and are made tense by 

 corresponding movements of the latter (tensors of fasciae). 



GYMNASTIC EXERCISES AND THERAPEUTIC GYMNASTICS. 

 PATHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS IN THE MOTOR FUNCTIONS. 



Gymnastic exercises are of great importance in the development of muscular 

 function and of strength, and they should be practised by both sexes from early 

 youth. The systematic activity increases the size of the muscles, and renders them 

 capable of doing more work; in addition, the bodily fat is consumed in greater 

 degree. With the increase in the size of the muscles the amount of blood is in- 

 creased, and at the same time the bones, tendons, and ligaments are rendered 

 more resistent. As the circulation is greatly increased in active muscle, exercise 

 causes a general improvement in the circulation and in cardiac activity. As a 

 result a favorable influence is exerted on the movement of the fluids of the body 

 in persons especially of sedentary habits, who suffer from stagnation of blood in 

 the abdominal organs (hemorrhoids, etc.). As, further, active muscle consumes 

 a good deal of oxygen and generates much carbon dioxid, respiration is thus 

 actively stimulated by gymnastic exercises. The general increase of metabolism 

 gives rise to the feeling of well-being and of vigor, limits abnormal irritability 

 and the tendency to fatigue. The whole body becomes more solid, firmer, and 

 of heavier specific gravity. 



Swedish therapeutic gymnastics are employed to strengthen systematically 

 the muscles in persons suffering from weakness of certain muscles or muscle- 

 groups, and in consequence not infrequently exhibiting deformities in the position 

 of the skeleton. The movements of these muscles are practised especially, being 

 opposed by suitable resistance, which should be overcome by the subject, or 

 be opposed by him without overcoming them. 



