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Assuming that the level of noise in a neural impulse sent to a muscle is a function of the level of that impulse, so that a larger impulse is also more noisy, if two muscles are set in opposition a slight tremor will result. If our proprioceptive sense has a lowish measurement accuracy -- if it is somewhat quantized -- this tremor will allow a higher accuracy of measurement. A higher accuracy of measurement will increase the likelyhood of performing an action correctly. However this also means two muscles are kept in opposition, which is a waste of energy.

If one learns to do an action with muscles set in opposition, it may be hard to unlearn this once the action is perfected. Reducing the impulse to either muscle on its own will reduce the accuracy of the action, and it may be difficult to figure out that reducing the impulse to both muscles simultaneously will work. All this would happen at a sub-conscious level, and one might never realize there is a problem!

An alternative would be to set up a small sinusoidal oscillation in the relevant joints. This would give a similar increase in measurement accuracy, but be far less wasteful of energy.

Such a slight oscillation would also make it easier to work out that any opposing muscles may be simultaneously reduced... the valley of optimal performance is widened by the slight oscillation.

Once the action is perfected, the oscillation may be reduced and eventually eliminated. As the oscillation has a clear cause, this should be easy (fingers crossed), definitely easier than reducing opposed muscle tension.

A good first application you might try for this is the joints in your neck. There is a minimum energy position that may be found by bobbing your head around until it feels nice. There are (simplifying and approximation quite horribly) two "joints", one between your head and neck, and one between your neck and body. Bobble them both.

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