Assessment of core stability and proximal muscle function to optimise dynamic activity

Abstract

Pelvic and hip stability encompasses much more than simply the SIJ and hip joint structures; it is a complex interplay of the proprioceptive input from both joints and muscles of the spine, pelvis, hips and limbs. Optimal dynamic pelvic and hip function is the end result of muscle control (tonic/phasic function), muscle recruitment patterns and segmental joint stability. Fundamental for restoration and progression of dynamic pelvic/hip function is the retraining of correct muscle recruitment patterns in the lumbo/pelvic/hip complex, while minimising excessive activity in compensatory muscles. Optimising proprioceptive input from the pelvis can prove vital in breaking down dysfunctional muscle recruitment patterns in the hip region The Wisbey-Roth functional assessment protocol described in this workshop is a graded and sports specific assessment used to establish the level of lumbo/pelvic/hip motor control presented by the athlete. The important principles of the functional grading assessment will be presented to workshop participants so the concept can be adjusted to suit a wide variety of sports. The example protocol used in this workshop has been designed to assess AFL players. The principles of the 5-level grading system can also be incorporated into a functional muscle retraining program to improve the specificity of exercise intervention and utilised to gauge improvement in dynamic lumbo/pelvic/hip function. Examples of grade specific rehabilitation exercises to optimise dynamic function (using AFL as an example) will be presented along with the underlying key principles. Pelvic and hip stability encompasses much more than simply the SIJ and hip joint structures; it is a complex interplay of the proprioceptive input from both joints and muscles of the spine, pelvis, hips and limbs. Optimal dynamic pelvic and hip function is the end result of muscle control (tonic/phasic function), muscle recruitment patterns and segmental joint stability. Fundamental for restoration and progression of dynamic pelvic/hip function is the retraining of correct muscle recruitment patterns in the lumbo/pelvic/hip complex, while minimising excessive activity in compensatory muscles. Optimising proprioceptive input from the pelvis can prove vital in breaking down dysfunctional muscle recruitment patterns in the hip region The Wisbey-Roth functional assessment protocol described in this workshop is a graded and sports specific assessment used to establish the level of lumbo/pelvic/hip motor control presented by the athlete. The important principles of the functional grading assessment will be presented to workshop participants so the concept can be adjusted to suit a wide variety of sports. The example protocol used in this workshop has been designed to assess AFL players. The principles of the 5-level grading system can also be incorporated into a functional muscle retraining program to improve the specificity of exercise intervention and utilised to gauge improvement in dynamic lumbo/pelvic/hip function. Examples of grade specific rehabilitation exercises to optimise dynamic function (using AFL as an example) will be presented along with the underlying key principles.