Neurological / Psychological
The ability to become bipedal is predicated on several developmental milestones; each reflex and motor pattern builds upon one another in a sequential and purposeful manner (Cech & Martin, 2012). In time, successful completion and mastery of the aforementioned milestones lays the groundwork for an infant to walk. One particular example of a gross motor…
Shoulder instability is a common cause of pain within the glenohumeral (GH) joint, particularly among young athletes (Heyworth & Kocher, 2013). Although the GH joint allows a greater arc of motion compared to other joints in the body, it is also the most commonly dislocated joint in adolescents and adults (Heyworth & Kocher, 2013). Treating…
Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint, reaching as many as 30%-50% of the adult population (Cagnie, Struyf, Cools, Castelein, Danneels, & O’Leary, 2014). Additionally, 50%-85% of those who do experience neck pain continue to report discomfort following 1-5 years after the onset (Leaver, Maher, McAuley, Jull, Latimer, & Refshauge, 2013). Thus, understanding the nature…
Janda noted a unique relationship between the skeletal system, muscular system, and the central nervous system (CNS); movement has a direct relationship to, and is a product of, interactions of the aforementioned systems (Page, Lardner, & Frank, 2010). Furthermore, distal joints and related movement patterns are inexorably affected by proximal joints and associated motor control….
Physical function may be thought of as goal-directed movement, considered the link between physical actions, colloquially defined as movement, and the environment in which it takes place (Cech & Martin, 2012). Such characteristics are essential, as they permit individuals to survive, adapt, and learn within the environment (Cech & Martin, 2012). If movement is inhibited…
Physical function may be thought of as goal-directed movement, considered the link between physical actions, colloquially defined as movement, and the environment in which it takes place (Cech & Martin, 2012). Such characteristics are essential, as they permit individuals to survive, adapt, and learn within the environment (Cech & Martin, 2012). If movement is inhibited…
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…
Muscles, 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…
In 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…
Evidence-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…