Annemarie Alf, PT, DPT, CSCS, SFMA Do you know how to breathe? Did you know it could improve your performance? Learning how to activate your diaphragm and creating intra-abdominal pressure will lead to increased activation of the deep core stabilizing system. This is key for protecting the spine and leading to improved movement patterns and therefore increased power and performance overall. Core stability is NOT achieved purely by strength of abdominals, spinal extensors, gluts or any other muscles, rather core stabilization is accomplished through precise coordination of these muscles to generate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). This is regulated by the CNS- the brain.
Our sagittal stabilization begins at 6 weeks of life. Our spinal (core) stabilization is attributed to muscle complex called the Deep Stabilizing System of the Spine (DSSS). What is the deep spinal stabilizing system? It is more than just the ‘deep muscles.’ Deep Spinal (core) stabilization includes: multifidi, deep neck flexors, diaphragm, abdominal wall, pelvic floor. When these muscles are automatically activated prior to movement, a stable base is generated. In proper stabilization, activity does not involve only one muscle but the whole chain working together. What is most important is the quality of stabilization? Functional stabilization is necessary for safe, purposeful movement. Through postural – locomotion kinematic chains, nearly every muscle is involved in stabilizing function. How to create proper IAP: intra-abdominal pressure? --> It’s distribution occurs with correct activation of diaphragm. 1. Physiological movement of the diaphragm should be part of all movement and exercise. 2. Increases equally in all directions --> The ideal position of the Spine, Chest, and Pelvis = stacked/ parallel Do NOT want ‘open-scissors’ of the diaphragm OR a rib- flare. Posture and respiration form one functional unit. Diaphragm has 3 functions: 1. Respiratory 2. Postural/ stabilizing function 3. Coordination of both Keys to Success: Achieving sagittal stabilization: 1. Spine axially elongated/ uprighted; 2. Chest in expiratory position (rib cage down); 3. Parallel position of diaphragm and pelvic floor; 4. Equal distribution of IAP independent on respiration; 5. Equal activation of abdominal wall In order to improve and achieve optimal movement: Quality> quantity. Muscles must be trained in both their stabilization and dynamic (movement producing) functions. Movement efficiency = optimizing the distribution of internal forces of muscles that act on each segment of the spine and/ or any other joints or segments ANY PURPOSEFUL MOVEMENT IS PRECEDED BY THE AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION OF THE POSTURAL STABILIZERS. “If breathing is not normalized- no other movement pattern can be” – Karel Lewitq Want an evaluation/ assessment of your ability to create IAP and activate you diaphragm for stability prior to movement? Email us at: aa@olympusmovment.com to schedule an appointment. www.olympusmovement.com References and images: www.rehabps.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp-gCvW8PRY www.athleteenhancement.com
1 Comment
8/6/2019 08:02:56 pm
In all honesty, I think I don't know how to breathe properly during exercise because I have some physical problems. It's interesting to know that I'll be able to achieve core stabilization if my brain is functioning at its best. Since it's important to have the spine axially elongated, I might go to a specialist to have my spine checked for any deformities and see if they can do anything about it before I perform any core stabilization exercises.
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Author: Annemarie Alf"We Specialize In Optimizing Teen And Active Adult Lives In North County San Diego By Addressing The WHOLE Person. We offer A Holistic, Integrative Approach To Performance And Wellness That Will Assess And Address The Root Causes That Lead To Pain, Hormonal Imbalances, Fatigue, Weight Gain And/ Or Decreased Performance." Archives
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