Category: Assessments

Neurodynamics, Thorax and Pelvis, Scapula, and Muscle Activation

I recently had the opportunity at to do a Q&A session at Enhancing Life, the gym of my dear friends Lucy Hendricks and Dave Wilton. In this Q&A, personal training students from the Lexington Healing Arts Academy asked me a bunch of questions, to which I had to answer immediately. Topics include: Neurodynamics Infrasternal and infrapubic angles Pelvic tilt and rotation Pulling the shoulders down and back The myth of muscle activation Does the warmup transfer? This was an absolute blast, where we dove in deep into these topics. I hope you get a lot out of it. Enjoy! and the audio version Neurodynamics 101 The Relationship Between Infrasternal and Infrapubic Angles The Difference between Pelvic Tilt and Rotation Shoulders Down and Back The Myth of Muscle Activation Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): narrative introduction and modern concepts. Does the Warmup Transfer? Photo Credits Cover photo courtesy of Lucy Hendricks 😉

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Hunching, Hip Extension, Stretching – Movement Debrief Episode 58

Movement Debrief Episode 58 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: Should narrow ISA people who have increased kyphosis reach forward? What should each reach be used to improve? What type of drills should I program when trying to improve hip extension? When should I choose an activity with the hip more flexed versus the hip more extended? Is stretching bad? Does stretching work? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                  Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle, WA on September 15-16th here Sign up for the Human Matrix in Kansas City, KS on October 27-28th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR on November 10-11 here Read here to learn more about Human Matrix   Here’s a signup for my newsletter to get nearly 3 hours and 50 pages of content, a free acute:chronic workload calculator, basketball conditioning program, podcasts, and weekend learning goodies: [yikes-mailchimp form=”1″ submit=”Get learning goodies and more”] Bill Hartman Sign up for the intensive here. Below is a picture of the hamstrings from a lateral view. The hamstrings do not have a direct attachment at the proximal hip, so create a levering action if used at terminal hip extension. Below is

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Learn Normal Respiratory Mechanics from the Human Matrix Manual

Do you… Have patients who hurt multiple areas and are unsure where to start? Have training clients who can’t perform the exercises you want to despite extensive coaching? Want to maximize your client’s movement capabilities better than ever before? Want to know why incorporating breathing into your skillset is exceedingly important? Then welcome to Human Matrix: The Code for Maximizing Health and Performance. A course where you will develop a thorough understanding of how to systemically view and affect movement. By entering the Matrix and affecting movement systemically, building up your client’s movement repertoire from the ground up better than ever before. What you’ll learn when you Enter the Human Matrix How to build a sound movement foundation to increase the exercise variations your clients and patients will be able to do. How to assess your client’s movement capabilities to make precise decisions for improving pain and movement quality. How to normalize range of motion of the entire body to both reduce pain and improve how your clients move with fewer exercises than you have ever needed before. How to effectively coach squatting, deadlifting, pushing, pulling, and more to build the fitness and resiliency of your clients. Course Outline Here is the schedule of this two day seminar: Day 1 9:30-10:30am: Model and Theory 10:45am-12:30pm: Axial Skeleton, Respiration, and Thorax Variability 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-3:00pm:  Thorax Variability 3:15pm-4:45pm: Pelvic Variability 5-6:30pm: Systemic Variability Day 2 8:30am-10am: Systemic variability 10:15am-12:30pm: Power Establishment – Mastering fundamental movement patterns 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-3:30pm: Power Establishment

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Exercise Dosing, Crossfit Shoulder Injuries, Regional Interdependence Education – Movement Debrief Episode 57

Movement Debrief Episode 57 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: What factors do I look for to determine I selected the right exercise amount that leads to changes in testing stick? How much of a stimulus do we need before a client sees adaptation? Why do crossfitters always hurt their shoulder? What things can crossfitters work on to reduce injury risk? How do I get buy-in when I am working on an area or a quality that is not directly related to what the client wants to improve? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                  Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle, WA on September 15-16th here Sign up for the Human Matrix in Kansas City, KS on October 27-28th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR on November 10-11 here Tim Gabbett Here’s a signup for my newsletter to get nearly 3 hours and 50 pages of content, a free acute:chronic workload calculator, basketball conditioning program, podcasts, and weekend learning goodies: [yikes-mailchimp form=”1″ submit=”Get learning goodies and more”] Bill Hartman Here is a move I am using to get scapular upward rotation Here is a move I use to get subscapularis

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Ribcage Dimensions, Gait, Foot Arch – Movement Debrief Episode 56

Movement Debrief Episode 56 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: How does rib external and internal rotation relate to infrasternal angle? Why does the infrasternal angle measures present as they do? What are the anteroposterior and medial-lateral dimensions of the ribcage in these infrasternal angles? What are the thoracoabdominal pelvic cavity mechanics in gait? How does a collapsed arch impact movement variability? How do we treat a collapsed arch? Are custom orthotics a worthy solution? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                  Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle, WA on September 15-16th here Sign up for the Human Matrix in Kansas City, KS on October 27-28th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR on November 10-11 here Mechanics of the respiratory muscles Action of the diaphragm on the ribcage Below is the diaphragm picture I mentioned. Notice how from this angle, the diaphragm fibers would pull the ribcage inward.     Here is a bunch of stuff on the infrasternal angle. Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): narrative introduction and modern concepts. Paul Coffin, DPM (this is who I use to get orthotics) Here’s a signup for my newsletter to get nearly 3 hours

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Asymmetrical Infrasternal Angle, SI Joint Tests, and Imaginary Lat Syndrome – Movement Debrief Episode 55

Movement Debrief Episode 55 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: What is an asymmetrical infrasternal angle? What activities would improve an asymmetrical infrasternal angle? How do SI joint tests compare to an obers test for SI joint dysfunction or pelvic rotation? What is this testing really looking at? What is imaginary lat syndrome? What is the latissumus dorsi’s role in this syndrome? What can be done to impact imaginary lat syndrome? Are they any particular areas to consider cupping for a common movement pattern? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                  Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle, WA on September 15-16th here Sign up for the Human Matrix in Kansas City, KS on October 27-28th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR on November 10-11 here Here is a picture of an asymmetrical infrasternal angle Below is one of my go-to moves for an asymmetrical infrasternal angle Below is the Gillet Test (Courtesy of Physiotutors) Intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability of the Gillet test. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of single and composites of selected motion palpation and pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint Palpation of the sacroiliac joint: An anatomical and sensory challenge Use of an inclinometer to

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Costa Rica Underground S&C 2018 Retreat Review

I recently had the opportunity to attend a strength and conditioning retreat hosted by none other than the legendary Ben House at his Flo Retreat Center. The retreat consisted of a morning filled with meditating, writing, thinking, and of course learning. Afternoons were time to bro down with fellow bros at the beach, on hikes, and exploring all the wonders that Costa Rica has to offer. The experience was life changing for me. Very rarely do I get a chance to be a part of a community like we had in Costa Rica, especially as a mercenary PT. I had the opportunity to learn from great people, share phenomenal moments, and make new friendships that I hope last a lifetime. If you want to get schmarter, meet amazing people, or simply get away from the riggers of a overconnected environment, I strongly encourage you to sign up for one of these retreats. I’m hoping to be there again next year. Without further adieu, if you want some knowledge bombs from the heavy hitters who were there, check out the review below.  

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Sciatica, World’s Greatest Stretch, and Back Squat – Movement Debrief Episode 54

Movement Debrief Episode 54 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: What is sciatica? What methods can be used to treat sciatica? What is so special about the world’s greatest stretch? Is stretching the upper and lower body beneficial? What coaching cues do I use when coaching a back squat? Are there different coaching considerations for a narrow or wide ISA on the back squat? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                  Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle, WA on September 15-16th here Sign up for the Human Matrix in Kansas City, KS on October 27-28th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR on November 10-11 here Here is how you can palpate the sciatic nerve tract (some Yung Z right here) Here is how to perform the slump test Here is how to perform the straight leg raise Here is all you need on the thorax And a bunch of stuff on the hips Click here to read a bunch of stuff on neurodynamics Thoughts on Post-Workout Stretching Stop Stretching, You’re Wasting Your Time – Here’s What to do Instead Here is the world’s greatest stretch Pat Davidson Here’s a signup for my

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Rotation vs Tilt, Harrison’s Grooves, and Overhead Squat – Movement Debrief Episode 53

Movement Debrief Episode 53 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: What is the difference between pelvic rotation and tilt? What are the treatment considerations for each? What are Harrison’s Grooves? What are the treatment considerations for Harrison’s Grooves? Is the overhead squat test useful for determining movement limitations? What squat variations ought to be tested? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                  Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle, WA on September 15-16th here Sign up for the Human Matrix in Kansas City, KS on October 27-28th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR on November 10-11 here Harrison’s Grooves Definition Here are some pictures of Harrison’s Grooves Posture and body image in individuals with major depressive disorder: a controlled study Upright posture improves affect and fatigue in people with depressive symptoms. Infrasternal angles and more Fusionetics Here’s a signup for my newsletter to get nearly 3 hours and 50 pages of content, a free acute:chronic workload calculator, basketball conditioning program, podcasts, and weekend learning goodies: [yikes-mailchimp form=”1″ submit=”Get learning goodies and more”]

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Breathing During Exercise, Femoral Anteversion, and Assessment Priorities – Movement Debrief Episode 49

Movement Debrief Episode 49 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: When should you breathe during exercise? Are there times in which breath holding is warranted? What is femoral anteversion? Is there a way to test for femoral anteversion? What treatment considerations must one make for femoral anteversion? In what testing order do I chase variability? If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 7pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                    Here were the links I mentioned: Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Seattle September 15-16th here   Sign-up for the Human Matrix in Portland, OR November 10-11 here Breathing During Weight Training – Lyle McDonald Concurrent Criterion-Related Validity and Reliability of a Clinical Test to Measure Femoral Anteversion Determination and Significance of Femoral Neck Anteversion FAI Investigation of Association Between Hip Morphology and Prevalence of Osteoarthritis Infrasternal Angle Overhead vs Quadruped Narrow Infrasternal Angle Training Modifications Using the Infrasternal Angle – Lucy Hendricks Restoring Shoulder Motion Shoulder External Rotation Hip Adduction and Abduction Explaining Hip Range of Motion Here’s a signup for my newsletter to get nearly 3 hours and 50 pages of content, a free acute:chronic workload calculator, basketball conditioning program, podcasts, and weekend learning goodies: [yikes-mailchimp form=”1″ submit=”Get learning goodies and more”] Breathing During Exercise https://zaccupples.com/2018/05/24/movementdebrief49/#Assessment_Priorities Femoral Anteversion

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Perfecting the Subjective Exam

The subjective examination is that first conversation, that first point of contact you get with a client. Your first chance to understand them and win them over. But what if you stumble during this crucial piece of the client interaction? What if you miss out on the key ingredients? What if you keep someone on your schedule who you can’t help? Well, if you listen to this podcast and check out the modified transcript below, you too will have answers to these crucial questions. And perfect your subjective exam. Enjoy:                   

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Hip Adduction and Abduction, Course Takeaways, and the Draw-in Maneuver – Movement Debrief Episode 42

Movement Debrief Episode 42 is in the books. Below is a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure, and audio if you can’t stand looking at me. Here is the set list: What is normal hip abduction/adduction range of motion? What tests do I use to assess these ranges? Why are these limitations theoretically present? What is the treatment hierarchy for hip adduction and abduction? What are some of my favorite moves to improve these measures? What are my top 3 takeaways from the PRI courses I’ve attended? Why the draw in maneuver is complete bullshit and what you should do instead If you want to watch these live, add me on Facebook or Instagram.They air every Wednesday at 8:30pm CST. Enjoy! and the audio version…                      Here were the links I mentioned: Sawbones Pelvis model Hip range of motion debrief Infrasternal Angle Debrief An Anatomic Investigation of the Ober’s Test Toe Touch to Squat for a narrow infrapubic angle Diamond Bear exercise for a narrow infrapubic angle Here is a move I use to improve active hip abduction. You can put the femur in relative external or internal rotation pending on which of those directions is limited: Bill Hartman Postural Restoration Institute Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain. A motor control evaluation of transversus abdominis. Adriaan Louw Here is the Paul Hodges video I talked about Here’s a signup for my newsletter to get

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