What is another term used to describe a prime mover?

A prime mover, also known as an agonist, refers to the muscle primarily responsible for initiating and executing a particular movement in a joint. During exercises or physical activities, the agonist muscle contracts to create motion, while other muscles may assist or stabilize the movement.

For example, during a bicep curl, the biceps muscle acts as the agonist as it contracts to lift the weight. Understanding the role of the prime mover is crucial for exercise prescription and rehabilitation since it allows a clinician or exercise physiologist to tailor programs effectively for strength, endurance, or rehabilitation purposes. Recognizing the agonist's role helps in identifying how to optimize performance and prevent injury.