Extended periods of seated positions (i.e., desk-based work) can cause deleterious changes in posture over time. Such changes are characterized by a flexed thoracic spine, facilitated pectoralis major and minor muscles on the anterior side, in addition to facilitated upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles on the posterior side. Conversely, the deep cervical flexors of […]
Read MoreWhen looking at a lumbar spine fusion surgery, does the spine change movement patterns above and below the site of the fusion thereafter? Such a question is relevant since moving spinal segments (i.e., immediately above and below a fixation) beyond their natural ranges (i.e., flexion, extension, rotation) might have deleterious long-term effects. The following sections will […]
Read MoreTensegrity can be thought of as an aggregate of compressive and tensile forces, which induce stability (Levin, 2002). Tensegrity not only exists at the cellular level; research has supported a link of the cell to the extracellular matrix, thereby affecting the behavior of other cells it is connected with. Moreover, observations have also suggested a […]
Read MoreMuscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and human movement do not exist in individualized vacuums; they share a complex and interdependent relationship to one another as a means of achieving biological homeostasis, and ultimately, survival. One can visualize such co-dependence and function through the tensegrity model. Tensegrity, at its root, states that structures as small as […]
Read MoreObesity and overweight are widespread, and considered a global health crisis (Foss & Dyrstad, 2011). The aforementioned conditions also increase the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, stroke, and premature mortality (Foss & Dyrstad, 2011). Moreover, obesity contributes to approximately 120,000 preventable deaths every year in North America (Thorogood […]
Read MoreObesity and overweight are prevalent, and considered an epidemic in the Western world. Not only are the conditions widespread, overweight and obesity are also associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (Meckling & Sherfey, 2007). Inactivity, in addition to poor nutrition, contributes to the aforementioned conditions, and is estimated that over 57% of Canadians […]
Read MoreIn the author’s practice as a Kinesiologist, the terminal goal of each client’s program is to improve the strength and quality of functional/everyday motions: pushing, pulling, squatting, lifting, carrying, and locomotion. After a client has been cleared by a medical professional to engage in exercise, a key step in the client’s post-rehabilitation (PR) program is […]
Read MoreEvidence-based, periodized exercise programs have the capacity to improve several biomarkers such as cardiovascular adaptations, higher bone mineral density, improved blood profiles, and muscular strength (Piper, Jacobs, Haiduke, Waller, & McMillan, 2012). Considered universally favorable adaptations for all people, what remains unique however, is how such improvements are sought for each individual, and special populations. The following […]
Read MoreClients recovering from motor vehicle injuries that are ready and approved for strength training (i.e., post-rehabilitation) require well-developed programs, which maximize effectiveness while minimizing risk of re-injury. Extensive weakness and deconditioning are common traits among the aforementioned populace, dominated by middle-aged (40-65 years) clientele in the author’s practice. Clients are often seeing a medical professional […]
Read MoreIn my last post, characteristics of exercise-induced inflammation (EII) were explored. Topics included how brief and moderately intense exercise initiated an immune response, as well as the central physiological and biochemical processes required to achieve adaptation to the same stimuli of equal magnitude. In the following sections, food-induced inflammation (FII) will be reviewed, as well […]
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