Program Design:

Functional Movement Training

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in neuromotor exercise training (a.k.a. functional exercise training) that emphasizes professionally assessing, teaching and training movement patterns with a focus on balance, coordination, stability, and proprioceptive training. Functional movement has been defined as the ability to produce and maintain a balance between mobility and stability along the kinetic chain while performing fundamental movements with accuracy and efficiency. A functional limitation is defined as a limitation in movement performance at the level of the whole person (or in respect to the entire kinetic chain, rather than training joints in isolation). Functional movements are a complex interplay of cognitive, perceptual, proprioceptive, and motor functions that involve muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination, and balance - in other words, we train movement in a way that mimics how we move in everyday life - which decreases pain and improves performance.

Although participation in various types of structured and unstructured activities can contribute to the neuromotor development of children, there does not appear to be specific recommendations for neuromuscular exercise training for kids and younger adults as there are for older adults. Nevertheless, the development of motor competency (mastery of basic movement patterns with coordination and control) is a growing emphasis in the development of physical literacy in youth and young adults. Fundamental movement patterns that develop during early childhood are the building blocks to specialized movement patterns and participation in physical activity. Dysfunctional and compensatory movement patterns develop when limitations in mobility, stability, or neuromuscular control prevent the practice of proper movement patterns. As a child gets older, dysfunctional basic movement patterns integrate into games, sports, and recreational activities, including weekly exercise.

A position statement by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) states that functional movement is essential for the holistic development of the child and that children should participate in appropriate exercise programs that promote physical development and enhance fitness behaviors that are retained later in life. Because an adequate level of motor competency is the foundation for a physically active lifestyle, there may be a level of movement competency which is predictive of future participation in physical activities. Studies show kids don’t necessarily grow out of dysfunctional movement patterns. When these patterns aren’t addressed as children, problems can present in adulthood, affecting movement confidence, increase risk of injury, and when injured, increase the chance of a complete recovery.

We measure functional movement with the Functional Movement Screen, The Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Fundamental Capacity Screen, and Y Balance Test - the gold standard testing battery in professional athletics. Once a patient is assessed, a prescription is given for that patient’s specific corrective exercises. These exercises can be performed in isolation or included in the warmup and/or cooldown in sporting events, exercise sessions, or can be completed at home without any gym equipment. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312501