The Vital Glutes: Connecting the Gait Cycle to Pain and Dysfunction

However, there is an exception to the rule. If the ROM is less than 45 degrees, it could be that the medial hamstrings are restricting the movement of passive abduction. To differentiate between the short adductors and the medial hamstrings, the knee is flexed to 90 degrees (figure 8.27); if the range now increases, this indicates shortness in the

PIR results from a neurological feedback through the spinal cord to the muscle itself when an isometric contraction is sustained, causing a reduction in tone of the muscle which has been contracted. This reduction in tone lasts for approximately 20–25 seconds, during which time the tissues can be more easily moved to a new resting length.

Muscle imbalances are ultimately reflected in posture. As mentioned earlier, postural muscles are innervated by a smaller motor neuron and therefore have a lower excitability threshold.

As we progress from the mid-stance phase to heel-lift and propulsion, the foot begins to re-supinate and passes through a neutral position when the propulsive phase begins; the foot continues in supination through toe-off. As a result of the foot supinating during the mid-stance propulsive period, the foot is converted from a “mobile adaptor” (whic

Poor posture is a faulty relationship of the various parts of the body, which produces increased strain on the supporting structures and in which there is less efficient balance of the body over its base of support. The

When they walk, the hip has to naturally extend; as they perform this function, the tight structures mentioned will limit the hip extension movement. To try to compensate, the innominate bone will rotate even further into anterior rotation, which will have the effect of switching off the Gmax and switching on the hamstrings, potentially causing mic

There are two important groups of muscles that contribute to stability of the lower back and pelvis. Collectively they have been called the inner unit (core) and the outer unit (myofascial sling systems). The inner unit consists of the transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm, and muscles of the pelvic floor—also collectively known as the core,

Correct breathing technique could also be very beneficial to the lengthening of the psoas major because of the muscle’s attachment to the diaphragm.

Richardson et al. (1999) identified the lumbar multifidus and the TVA as the key stabilizers of the lumbar spine. Both muscles link in with the thoracolumbar fascia to provide what Richardson et al. refer to as “a natural, deep muscle corset to protect the back from injury.”