Posts Tagged ‘Gait 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 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.…
Read MoreSide Effects Occur During Gait Training
A side effect is a secondary effect, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical intervention. Any intervention that can produce a therapeutic effect can also produce side effects or adverse effects. The current standard of practice is to provide informed consent before beginning evaluation and treatment. Informed consent includes identifying the benefits and…
Read MoreClinical Predictive Rules for Management of Plantar Heel Pain
Medical professionals rely on clinical practice guidelines to have better outcomes, lower utilization of care, and lower costs. These guidelines have limited value since they often fail to keep up with new research findings or recently available diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. For example: clinical practice guidelines are available for plantar heel pain (plantar fasciitis) from…
Read MoreBetter cues & mental practice to improve skillful movements: Are external focus cues better than internal focus cues? It depends
Coaches, athletes, healthcare professionals, verbal cues, use mantras, self-talk, visual imagery, and skill training to improve movement. There are many cognitive strategies commonly used to improve human movement to move faster, farther, injury-free, and/or just look better moving. Types of cues: A substantial amount of research in the area of motor learning examines different types…
Read MoreGait Deviations Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes: Is there a gait deviation or cluster of gait deviations which is common across musculoskeletal pain syndromes?
Gait deviations are considered risk factors and/or causative drivers for musculoskeletal pain syndromes. There is a growing body of research showing a relationship between gait deviations and musculoskeletal pain syndromes injuries: shin pain (here, & here,) ; patella-femoral arthralgia (here); IT band syndrome; Achilles pain; plantar heel pain (here, & here). There is growing consensus…
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