Clinical Diagnosis Flashcards
What is a kinesiologist?
The science of human movement. Kinesiologists apply the latest evidence-based scientific research to help improve your health and wellness
Qualitative Movement Diagnosis Cycle
Prep – intake interviews, forms
Observations – observe posture and body in movement
Evaluation: determine muscle weaknesses/tightness/pain
Intervention: exercise prescription, FITT principle, keep a detailed log
Biomechanical factors of Movement Diagnosis:
- Spinal mechanics
- Bracing
- Breathing
- Feet –>foundation of body, curve absorbs shock and weight
Why are neutral spines important?
Proper force dissipation, injury prevention and good mobility
Natural Spine Curves: The two main factors that cause us to adapt to the environment:
- sitting: adaptations to sitting primarily involve front body tension (shortened muscle) and back body weakness (lengthened muscle).
- gravity: gravity is constantly squishing us. Consider the effects of longitudinal compression compounded with the adaptations to sitting.
force-length relationship
When a muscle is too long or too short (because of injury or habit) they can’t function properly, and they can’t build strength. Dysfunction in the spine can show up as pain elsewhere.
If the fiber is too short or too long, it will not create as much force. You will not be able to use the energy to create as much force as if the fibers were of medium length. Optimal length promotes strength and motor control.
How is the support around the spine created?
- Co-Contraction of opposing muscle groups create structural rigidity that prevents the spine from bending under load.
- Imbalances happen when one side is failing to do its job.
Assess which muscles may have lengthen, and which may have shortened. For the purpose of this course you can focus on the following muscles:
- Deep neck flexors,
- pectoralis (adduction or depression of arm),
- upper trapezius (stabilize scapula),
- levator scapula (elevate scapula, tilt neck side to side),
- rhomboids (retract, elevate and rotate scapula),
- abdominals,
- lumbar paraspinal,
- hip extensors (glutes and hamstring),
- hip abductors (gluteus medius) and
- Hip flexors (quadriceps and sartorius)
Uppercrossed syndrome
Muscles that lengthen:
- Deep neck flexors
- Rhomboids
Muscles that shorten:
- Pectoralis
- Upper trapezius
- Levator scapula
Lowercrossed syndrome
Muscles that lengthen:
- Abdominals
- Gluteus maximus (hip extensors)
Muscles that shorten:
- Erector spinae
- Iliopsoas (hip flexors)
