Movement is the product of many systems working together in a highly coordinated and harmonious fashion. Such systems include the sensorimotor, musculoskeletal, and energy systems (Page, Lardner, & Frank, 2010). When functioning optimally, the coalescence of such systems can produce meaningful and effective motions, such as running. Over time, however, fatigue is expressed as a […]
Read MorePost-rehabilitation (PR) clients require diligent and scrupulous program design. Extensive weakness and deconditioning are common traits among the aforementioned populace. PR clients are often seeing a medical professional, or have been recently discharged. Their injuries are usually resolved, but they are often not ready for the rigors of daily activity or work related tasks. Thus, […]
Read MoreBody composition (BC) can be defined as the proportions of various tissues (i.e., fat, muscle, and bone) making up the body, which is generally expressed as percent body fat and percent lean body mass (Lee & Nieman, 2013). As such, knowing BC can help one track changes during weight loss or weight gain programs, in […]
Read MoreThere are many ways in which people acquire skills. Some prefer to have auditory descriptions, others enjoy performing (i.e., kinesthetics) the skill, and yet others prefer seeing (i.e., visual) the skill executed. These methods are not mutually exclusive, and can occur in many combinations with varying levels of contribution. For the purposes of this discussion, […]
Read MoreRepetition in and of itself may hold little value in skill retention or performance enhancement. I would like to explore factors that do enhance the learning experience, their relationships to repetition, and the application of both. Lee, Swanson, and Hall (1991) reminded us that repetition by itself is not what allows a person to acquire […]
Read MoreComplex movement patterns are often taught by an observational means through demonstration. I would like to discuss when, where, and how observational instruction is efficacious, and how it might be fused with other teaching strategies to yield optimal outcomes. Williams and Hodges (2005) told us that demonstration is best suited for outcome goals with movement […]
Read MoreIn recent posts, I provided information on how to use constraints in order to facilitate the learning process for the deadlift pattern (accompanying videos are at the end of this post for your review). However Magill (2011) stated that too much use of sensory feedback causes a dependency. I would like to explore this problem […]
Read MoreClark (1995) posited that skillfulness is the impetus to a nation of physically active people. I would suggest that skillfulness alone is shortsighted. I would like to explore this concept more deeply. A skill is an activity or task that has a specific goal (Magill, 2011). Magill also made it clear that skills and movements […]
Read MoreIt 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 […]
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