KI SCIENCE
The Basics
The relationship between the body and the brain is complex but also magnificent and intriguing at the same time. When this relationship is disrupted your quality of life is negatively impacted through the destructive effects of movement dysfunctions. The way we as human beings learn, control, lose, and correct movement patterns, and the role our brain and the central nervous system play in this is the core of Kinetic Integrations (KI).
For Kinetic Integrations the correction of movement dysfunctions is closely tied with repairing of postural deviations, neuromuscular control, and the ability to stabilize. A poor posture sustained over time, as well as repetitive and incorrect movements, change the integrity and limit the function of our connective and musculoskeletal tissues. These incorrect movement patterns will eventually lead to functional limitations and impairments or disabilities – and suddenly we cannot do what we did before without having pain. Specifically this will inhibit or “disallow” muscles from properly functioning, and ultimately cause injury, impaired posture, and decreased health and performance. Pain, injury, poor posture, and poor movement are all consequentially linked.
The Science
A proposed concept within the training world relies on the strategy “stabilize before you mobilize” when referring to muscle synergy. This concept is based on the understanding that a joint should be stable before any force is produced or applied to it. This idea also reinforces the concept that without proper joint stability, mobility cannot occur without increasing the risk for injury.
It is also understood that there is an optimal position where the joint should sit, which is specific to each joint. This is often called the Neutral Joint Position. KI applies the concept of this position to restore optimal function through its Positional Prep.
In terms of movement, KI breaks our muscles down into two different categories depending on their primary role or “job”. Certain groups of muscles have exhibited the traits of being mobilizers or “movers”. Their primary function is to create forces in order to move one or more limbs through a range of motion. Other muscles are primarily used as stabilizers and function to create stiffness around joints or body areas – they stabilize. The relationship between mobilizers and stabilizers is critical in achieving and maintaining proper movement. The ultimate goal is to restore the ability of the stabilizers to work automatically and reflexively as they should.
The Solution
Ideal posture will align the spine in the most advantageous position for movement and force production. Postural assessment and correction is thereby the first step towards reaching functional goals.
Now, correcting movement dysfunction must start with unlearning incorrect movement patterns. This may seem simple in practice, but if you have been dealing with an injury for a prolonged period of time the incorrect movements have become habitual; in fact, they have become reflexive. Here is where motor learning and motor control strategies come into play as one needs to learn or relearn the correct movement patterns. Kinetic Integrations (KI) has resolved this challenge through a five phase instruction process called the Sequential Learning Tactics.
Once your motor skills have been adjusted and correct movement has been achieved, muscular strength and endurance must be enhanced in order to support movement. This is accomplished through the KI corrective exercises that stimulate your central nervous and muscular system to adapt. In fact, the goal here is to enhance your neuromuscular control of movement.
Over the past 20 years a greater level of understanding about movement and movement dysfunction has been reached. This has occurred by linking the sciences of anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, neurophysiology, motor control, and motor learning as well as a greater understanding of injury, pain, and behavior. KI provides you the tools and knowledge to resolve your movement dysfunctions based on those sciences and methods.