It is intriguing that skill acquisition emanates from constraints imposed upon us (i.e., environment) from within us (i.e., the organism) as well as the task itself (Clark, 1995). These concepts find their home within the dynamic pattern theory, accompanied by self-organization, patterns and stability. I’d like to explore the utility of these perspectives in reducing […]
Read MoreWhen I have clients gently lay supine with a soft ball (i.e., squash ball) on the levator scapulae, it often replicates the referral pattern up along the same side of the neck/ear. I do not think that self-myofascial release (SMR) fixes the underlying problem. However, I do think it helps create temporary relief, without the […]
Read MoreIn the last year approximately, I have been experimenting with having clients perform some exercises (i.e., standing) without shoes. I have read about the benefits, but never truly was “sold” on why. I believe I did not appreciate the concept of proprioception, and its relationship to the sensorimotor system. The sensorimotor system contains two fundamental […]
Read MoreDynamic systems theory (DST) helps medical and exercise professionals understand and explain the nature and causes of movement skill acquisition (Magill, 2011). The sensorimotor system could be viewed as the conduit through which individuals gather, process, and disseminate information, and movement, within the environment. In essence, there exists a symbiotic relationship between DST and the sensorimotor […]
Read MoreA technique that has served me well is the application of a concept known as reactive neuromuscular training (RNT). Essentially, it is defined as the integration and processing of peripheral sensory information in the central nervous system (CNS) to elicit the most efficient motor response (Harrison & Hart, 2010). RNT can be further defined as […]
Read MoreIt could be argued that one first ask the purpose of an exercise. If we wish to teach individuals exercise, which enhances their ability to perform activities of daily living, for example, it would seem reasonable to implement those exercises, which acknowledges the aforementioned outcome goal. Pushing objects, dynamically or statically, could be seen as […]
Read MoreIn Janda’s upper crossed syndrome (UCS), we will notice relationship; there is a crossedrelationship between the upper anterior and posterior regions of the body. The pectoralis major and minor are facilitated on the anterior side, as well as the upper trapezius and levator scapulae on the posterior side. Conversely, the deep cervical flexors of the […]
Read MoreMotor learning and motor control theory have been topics espoused by other medical and exercise professionals which I studied from (i.e., Mike Boyle, Brett Jones, Gray Cook, Stuart McGill, Charlie Weingroff) since approximately 2009. Initially, such concepts were foreign. However as time passed (i.e., as well as studying said concepts through ATSU), I slowly began […]
Read MoreAs a kinesiologist, I do not determine cause of pain. However, I can comfortably work around painful regions. The shoulder mobility screen within the FMS in interesting; it quantifies range of motion (ROM), however, it does not seem to determine stability. Therefore, an individual can score high (i.e., “3” left shoulder and “3” right shoulder) yet still have poorly […]
Read MoreTask Constraints Dynamic systems theory (DST) theorizes that new movements can arise suddenly and abruptly over time. DST also states that novel movements are governed by constraints (Clark, 1995). Like a funnel guiding water, constraints “steer” the development and refinement of motor patterns as well as skill acquisition over time. Constraints can be broken down […]
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