Neurodevelopment Model for Exercise Complexity
Adam discussed the neurodevelopment model for exercise, emphasizing its application in various commercial models. He explained the concept of degrees of freedom, comparing it to juggling tennis balls, and how it relates to the complexity of exercises. He also highlighted the importance of reducing degrees of freedom in rehabilitation settings to improve performance and health. Mike and Colin engaged in the discussion, showing familiarity with the concepts.
Neurodevelopment Principles in Physical Therapy
Adam, Mike, and Colin discussed the application of neurodevelopment principles in physical therapy. They explored how to leverage these principles in various positions, such as supine, prone, and quadruped, to improve squat mechanics and address pain or limitations. They emphasized the importance of maintaining key cues, like setting the butt back, while adapting exercises to different orientations and positions. The team also highlighted the need for a systems approach rather than focusing on single joint exercises.
Controlling Trunk Position in Squatting
Adam discussed the importance of controlling trunk position during squatting, emphasizing the need for a neutral trunk throughout the movement. He explained that a perfect squat involves keeping the center of mass over the midfoot, which requires adequate hip, knee, and ankle range of motion. Adam also highlighted the role of core control and the benefits of incorporating different positions, such as quadruped and bear, to challenge the body and improve movement quality. He suggested that these positions could be used in lighter days to complement heavy lifting days, and that the same principles could be applied to rehabilitation processes to help the body remember how to move.
Neurodevelopment and Exercise Progressions
Adam discussed the principles of neurodevelopment and exercise progressions, emphasizing the importance of manipulating variables to enhance movement and optimize performance. He highlighted the role of gravity and the number of contacts with the ground in determining the challenge level of exercises. Adam also touched on the concept of motor learning, referencing a book by Peter C. Brown, “Make It Stick,” which emphasizes the importance of deliberate difficulties, interweaving, and infrequent but frequent practice in learning. He suggested that these principles are embedded in the exercises they discussed.
Layering Exercises for Optimal Movement
Adam discussed the importance of layering and stacking exercises to optimize movement and motor learning. He suggested using a step approach in programming, starting with soft tissue work, then moving to specific exercises, and finally performing the main task. Adam also mentioned the idea of stacking high and low threshold exercises to balance stress and reset the system. He emphasized the need to recognize the impact of certain exercises, like the trap bar deadlift, on rotation and suggested incorporating rolling and unilateral reaching to counteract this.
PNF Patterns for Movement Awareness
Adam emphasized the importance of recognizing the trade-offs in performance training and the need to balance adaptations. He discussed the concept of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and its role in sensory motor capabilities. Brett agreed, highlighting the importance of awareness and intentionality in exercises. They also discussed the effectiveness of PNF patterns in teaching movement patterns and the need for practitioners to understand the underlying mechanics.
Thoracic Rotation for Athletic Performance
Brett discussed the effectiveness of using a thoracic rotation pattern to improve an athlete’s ability to sit into the pocket of the shoulder blade. He emphasized the importance of coupling patterns and the translation of these patterns to sports. Adam agreed with Brett’s approach and suggested that the emphasis of a session should be on performance, with therapy being touched upon briefly. Brett also asked Adam about his approach to structuring sessions, particularly when working with athletes who have multiple visits. Adam responded by using a bank analogy to explain his approach, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing performance over therapy.
Manual Therapy in Client Sessions
Adam and Brett discussed the importance of manual therapy in their sessions. Adam explained how he prepares tissues for specific exercises and how he uses manual therapy to facilitate certain behaviors. Brett agreed with Adam’s approach and shared his own experiences of building relationships with clients and making manual therapy more purposeful. They also discussed the challenges of creating a home program for clients who have busy schedules.
Blood Flow Restriction Training
Adam discusses his approach to incorporating Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training into athlete programs. He uses BFR extensively in early off-season, typically twice a week in May and June, as part of high-volume days to build tissue adaptation. Adam also incorporates BFR into recovery sessions, using it for a full workout on Wednesdays with lower loads. For rehabilitation clients, he uses BFR with aerobic exercises like treadmill walking or cycling to promote muscle hypertrophy and endurance. Adam emphasizes the importance of adapting the training based on the athlete’s schedule and needs, and he typically starts with 4-minute intervals, progressing up to 10-minute intervals for BFR aerobic work.