Therapeutic exercise: types and indications.
In the intact subject, strength is determined by the physiologic cross-sectional area of all the muscle fibers as influenced by the activity of the neural elements. Passive range-of-motion exercises prevent or help correct contractures but do not build strength. High-resistance, low-repetition exercises simultaneously develop strength and endurance. Isotonic exercises are generally preferable to isometric exercises.
D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007551:Isotonic Contraction; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D010807:Physical Endurance; D014891:Weight Lifting