MOVEMENT PATTERNS

sionals can safely assume that if their client finds it a challenge to efficiently perform any Primal Pattern with just their body-weight alone, then the need for cor- rection is likely. Detailed training in Primal Pattern assessments is a skill taught in Level 2 of the C.H.E.K Certific- ation program.

Figure 9a and inset 9b

tem, overworking the shoulder and rotator cuff muscles. As with the push, a func- tional core is essential to provide a strong foundation for any pulling movement.

Twist The twist is a coupled movement, occurring with other patterns

for example throwing

finally all out sprinting (6). Ultimately a transfer from one leg to the next, gait is predominantly a balancing act that requires natural completion of infant development if unnecessary injury is to be avoided. Additionally, being an activity humans have done throughout our evolu- tionary existence, gait is very important for supporting the circulatory and visceral systems of the body; when infant devel- opment is incomplete, gait is comparably altered, which can, and often does, corre- spond to diminishing general health and vitality.

PRIMAL PATTERN APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND EXERCISE PROFESSIONALS (7) Assessment Primal Patterns are best assessed individ- ually; for example, assess the lunge alone, not throwing a ball, which is a combined lunge, twist and push. Exercise profes-

Figure 12a and inset 12b

a ball is a twist with a lunge and a push but it may also be found on its own, such as in a supermarket checkout person. As a catalyst pattern with great influence over most functional movements, it is critical to restore any deficit to axial rotation as both prevention and treatment of injury or movement disorders.

Gait Clinically, gait is broken into three deriva- tions based on observable changes in motor sequencing that occur at some point as speed progressively increases from a walking gait to a jogging gait and

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Regression and progression (8) Where a Primal Pattern presents as chal- lenging to the client, seek to reduce the challenge in small increments until motor efficiency is achievable. This can be done in three ways: by increasing the base of support, by reducing the amplitude of the movement, or reducing the complexity of a movement. Generally the first is most easily accomplished, for example holding a single dowel rod, or even two, for sup- port during a squat or lunge. Once the client can comfortable perform the descended Primal Pattern, gradually progress them back to Primal Standard. Some examples of descending Primal Patterns are given in Table 1.

Primal Patterns may be advanced by increasing complexity of the movement, reducing the base of support, increasing speed of movement or increasing the load to be moved during the application of a pattern, for example performing a weight- ed squat or lunge. By combining patterns, such as a bend and twist, Primal Patterns can be made complex enough to meet or exceed the demands of almost any recre- ation, work or sports environment. Some examples of ascending Primal Patterns are given in Table 2.

How much is enough? Primal Pattern training should be pre-

TABLE 1: EXAMPLES OF DESCENDING PRIMAL PATTERNS Primal Pattern First descent Squat

Second descent Squat - hand Lunge Bend

holding support Lunge with single

arm hold pole Third descent Ball on wall squat Smith machine squat

Lunge with 2-arm Smith machine lunge support

Support by spotter Bend from knees Bend from seated

TABLE 2: EXAMPLES OF ASCENDING PRIMAL PATTERNS Primal Pattern First ascent Squat Lunge Bend

Second ascent 1-leg squat

Walking lunge Bend 1-leg

Third ascent

Balance board squat Squat on Swiss ball Jumping lunge Wobble board lunge Bend on move

Bend and generate/ receive force

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