[Archive – August 11, 2012]
Physiologic Principle: “proximal stability for distal mobility” is the signature principle of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
Athleticism is defined by disassociation of upper & lower extremities from the core.
As the Pirerri Tyre company marketing campaign says, ”power is nothing without control”
When an individual can move from their ball & socket joints (shoulders & hips) while maintaining core stability they can generate more power
Example: The Bird Dog (adapted from Pr Stuart McGill)
To prove that this is a fundamental principle reflecting the function of the locomotor system simply follow the Clinical Audit Process of
- assess
- correct
- re-assess
see related article
1) Assess – mobility (fingertip to floor, wall lean, overhead squat, wall angel); single leg stability (balance, single leg squat, inline lunge); respiration/core (dying bug position)
– Find painless dysfunction – “weak link” or sign of abnormal motor control
– Find “marker” sign – mechanical sensitivity or provocative movement
2) Correct – core training (bird dog, planks, dying bug); posterior chain (hip hinge, glute-ham; D-lifts; split squats; box squats); frontal plane (side bridge; get-up; functional reach)
3) Re-assess