FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT

tion forces upwards through the kinetic chain. Some muscles may contribute to simultaneous or sequential joint movement in order to move a limb or limbs, whereas other muscles may act to stabilise joints (15). An understanding of potential muscle and joint actions during the four basic movement patterns will serve as a good foun- dation from which to observe this. The outcome of movement effi- ciency assessment is to observe how the kinetic chain coordinates movement of body segments via muscle activity and joint position. Inherent to the accuracy of assessment and consequent exercise programming, is the consideration of the performance demands of the individual. These will include speed and accuracy of movement, balance considerations (in relation to the internal and external environment), and coordination of joint and muscle action to gen- erate, summate and transfer forces through the kinetic chain.

CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE: MOVEMENT EFFICIENCY Movement efficiency is the ultimate objective of the kinetic chain. Through an understanding of the many factors that contribute to efficiency, the therapist can make modifications to movement where necessary, for the purpose of injury prevention or performance enhance- ment. Essential to the assessment of efficiency is an understanding of the demands placed on the individual during functional performance, so that these demands can be simulated in clinical practice.

In this audio, Kesh Patel outlines a number of important aspects of movement efficiency, and how this can be

simulated during assessment, to understand how the kinetic chain coordinates movement.

CONCLUSION During occupation, recreation and sport, optimal performance is achieved through a combination of movement ability and effi- ciency. These qualities of movement can be assessed via a number of simple strategies using an understanding of the physiological and kinesiological demands of a given activity. The definitive gauge of successful kinetic chain assessment is improvement in an individual’s performance, suggesting that the observation of func- tional movements can be a useful assessment tool within the framework of rehabilitation and performance enhancement.

THE AUTHORS Kesh Patel is a corrective exercise and movement specialist, and lec- turer in clinical sports and exercise therapy. He runs a private clin- ic in Surrey, which focuses on developing optimal movement strate- gies for rehabilitation and performance. Kesh is the course director for Origin Health Training, an accredited training provider for the Register of Exercise Professionals, running a series of innovative CPD courses for trainers and therapists. His first book, ‘Corrective Exercise: A Practical Approach’ was published in June 2005. For more information on clinical and training services, call 01483 825155 or email kesh@origin-health.co.uk

Dr Suzanne Patel is a technical writer and researcher in medical education. She currently works as a freelance writer specialising in the area of exercise and health science.

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