What is the brachioradialis muscle?
The brachioradialis is a muscle located in the upper part of the arm, specifically in the forearm. It runs from the upper arm bone (humerus) to the bone in the lower arm (radius) near the thumb.
It is responsible for bending the elbow, rotating the forearm and stabilizing the forearm during movements involving the elbow and wrist. (1)
Origin, insertion and function
Origin
The origin of the brachioradialis muscle is the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus bone, which is located on the upper arm.
Insertion
The insertion of the brachioradialis muscle is the styloid process of the radius bone, which is located on the lower arm near the thumb.
Function
The brachioradialis muscle is responsible for the following actions:
Flexion of the elbow: When the brachioradialis contracts, it pulls the forearm towards the upper arm, which results in flexion (bending) of the elbow joint.
Supination of the forearm: The brachioradialis muscle also helps in the supination of the forearm, which is the movement of rotating the palm of the hand upwards.
Forearm stabilization: The brachioradialis muscle helps to stabilize the forearm during movements that involve the elbow and wrist, such as lifting weights or doing push-ups.
Common signs of weak brachioradialis muscles
Here is a list of signs that may indicate a weak brachioradialis muscle:
- Difficulty lifting heavy objects or difficulty completing a full repetition of arm exercises such as bicep curls.
- Weakness in the forearm, particularly when lifting or grasping objects.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper arm, elbow or forearm when lifting or gripping.
- Weakness or discomfort when performing activities that require the forearm to be in a supinated position (palm up).
- A lack of muscle definition or mass in the upper arm and forearm.
- Inability to fully extend the elbow or difficulty in keeping it extended.
It’s important to note that these signs can also be caused by other conditions or injuries, and it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any other issues.
Exercises that strengthen the brachioradialis
Here are a few exercises that can be done to strengthen the brachioradialis muscle:
Reverse wrist curls:
- Sit on a bench with your forearms resting on the bench and your hands hanging off the edge.
- Hold a weight in your hand, and with your palms facing down, slowly lift the weight towards your wrist by flexing at the elbow.
- Lower the weight back down to the starting position and repeat.
Hammer Curls:
- Stand holding a pair of dumbbells at your sides with your palms facing your body.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and curl the dumbbells towards your shoulders.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
Reverse barbell curl:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip (palms facing down).
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and curl the barbell towards your shoulders.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
Chin ups:
- Grip a pull-up bar with your palms facing you and your hands shoulder-width apart
- Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended
- Pull your body up until your chin is above the bar
- Lower yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
It’s important to note that it’s always best to start with a lighter weight and to focus on proper form to avoid injury. It’s also recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a personal trainer to guide you through the process and tailor the exercises to your specific needs.
References:
- Lung BE, Ekblad J, Bisogno M. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Forearm Brachioradialis Muscle. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526110/