There 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 […]
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 More