Exercise Physiology Insight: Similar Movement Patterns Explained

In both pictures, there are a number of movements, a sequence if you will that have allowed the action of smiling and the exercise within the photo (bending at your hips) to occur.

This is what we refer to as a pattern.

Patterns exist all around us in every day life. From how you get up in the morning, to how you brush your teeth, to how you walk and so on.

Patterns can be good and bad.

Lets use the example of studying for a test.

We may have a pattern that makes us successful in exams, this may look like consistently studying, revising the course content, testing yourself through prompting questions. These behaviours have created a pattern to allow you to study.

On the other side we may have someone who tells themselves they do not like studying or need to study. They may avoid engaging with the course content.

Come exam time who do you think will be successful?

As I said our patterns can be good and bad.

So how does this relate to movement and exercise physiology?

Sequencing of events is a massive area to make or break our movement. If we are walking, we want to land and move through the gait (walking) cycle in a sequential action to allow smooth motion.

From an exercise physiology perspective this would look like first landing with your heel, following onto your mid foot before pushing off of your toes and completing the same task on the opposing limb.

 If our movement patterns were to break down, what might be the consequences for you?

·         Pain

·         Stiffness

·         Compensation from surrounding Muscles / Tendons / Bones

·         Mood changes

·         Stress

Now can you think of a movement you struggle with? You may get pain walking upstairs, you might not be able to touch your toes, you may struggle to reach the top cupboard in your house with your arms. Each of these examples illustrate a breakdown in our movement patterns.

The good news is we can restore this!

Through assessing our limitations, giving targeted exercise and being conscious of our everyday postures we can alter our movement, learn and unlearn patterns and enhance the quality of our movement! That's one of the ways execrise physiology could help you!

This means you can:

·         Mitigate or erase your pain

·         Improve your flexibility

·         Improve your mood and energy levels

·         Engage with the tasks that are most important to you!

Change your patterns, Move Right, Live Right. Reach out today!