Motion Analysis
Sensory preference & learning optimal movement
There are many cognitive strategies to cue, prompt, and provide feedback to improve movement. Theory of focus of attention The dominant theory proposed by Gabriele Wulf and colleagues is providing cueing, prompting, or feedback to facilitate learning to move in a more optimal way is using an external focus of attention is more effective and…
Read MoreCatch 22 – Underutilization of 2D Slow-Motion Video Analysis
Why is there low utilization of 2D slow motion video analysis of movement by Physical Therapists? There are many advantages for using 2D slow-motion video analysis for management of movement disorders including increased accuracy of diagnosing movement impairments; improved communication with patients and healthcare team; increased engagement of the patient; and improved understanding of movement…
Read MoreOptimizing human movement requires clarity of description of movement
To know where you are going you must first know where you are. To optimize human movement, analysis of human movement is required. To identify optimal human movement clear qualitative and quantitative descriptions are needed. When describing human movement confusion occurs when we fail to clearly identify a frame of reference and reference point. A…
Read MoreWhole vs part method of learning to walk/run a new way: deviant to less deviant
When learning a new physical skill an individual, therapist, or coach can choose to practice a new skill in whole or part. Motor skills learning can be practicing the whole movement or part of the movement. In whole practice acquiring a skill is by practicing the movement in its entirety, whereas the part that practices…
Read MoreAdding observation of deceleration forces to diagnosis & treatment of movement system impairment syndromes & musculoskeletal pain syndromes
Shirley Sahrmann and colleagues share an elegant clinical reasoning process model to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain syndromes and movement system problems. The movement system is physiological organ systems that interact to produce movement of the body and its parts. The basis is alignment in a deviant position and repeated deviant movements in a…
Read MoreDiagnostic imaging pros & cons – be careful what you ask for
There are many reasons to request a diagnostic image such as a radiograph (X-ray), MRI, sonogram (ultrasound), and CT scan. They are to diagnosis a pathology/trauma; determine treatment options; screen for contraindications; biomechanical analysis; provide reassurance; medical legal reasons; and financial gain for the healthcare provider. Requests for diagnostic imaging must come from a licensed…
Read MoreGait deviations clustering gait deviations – injury – new data
In a previous blog article, I discussed the question “Is there a gait deviation or cluster of gait deviations which is common across musculoskeletal pain syndromes?” The consensus is currently there is no definitive evidence suggesting one gait deviation or cluster of gait deviations occurs more frequently or is more important than another. More research…
Read MoreChoice of feedback for learning new movements
A common practice when addressing painful musculoskeletal pain syndromes is the symptom modification procedure. This procedure involves identifying the specific movement, posture, and/or activity that reproduces the patient’s symptoms. The symptom modification procedure alters performance. It is relatively quick as it occurs in one session. Altering performance is different than learning. An altered performance is…
Read MorePuny Calf Muscles Syndrome
It is time to replace the common belief that stretching exercises should occur before exercise or sporting activity with a newer concept that strengthening exercises for the calf muscles should occur before exercise or sporting activities. During warm up for exercise & sporting activity make a conscious effort to walk with spring in your step. Reactivating & reversing puny calf muscles can prevent injury, increase athletic performance, forestall old person shuffle, & look better.
Read MoreUsing slow-motion video for continuing education & professional development of healthcare provider
If a picture is worth a thousand words what is a slow-motion video worth? A video image of movement can facilitate our innate skill of curiosity the need or desire to know and learn. Physical therapists are movement specialists who observe human movement, analyze it, and develop plans to manage movement system impairment syndromes.…
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