Hint: Read the step-by-step instructions below! (short video, long post) A key to optimizing an amputees athletic performance is to identify and correct muscle imbalances around the hips. For example, if one hip flexor is substantially tighter than the other, then lower body movement is impaired and power, speed, strength and endurance suffer. If left unattended, the hip imbalance worsens (as incorrect movement patterns build on each other), often leading to injury, a shortened athletic career and/or chronic joint dysfunction. A hip extension test allows us to measure this imbalance and include mobility & strength exercises in an athlete’s training program to correct it. Once recorded, we can monitor and assess the imbalance over time, adjusting training where needed to make further improvements in athleticism, function and quality of life. We performed this test on Brian, a well-rounded athlete with a 405# Deadlift (DL) and 285# Back Squat (BS). These numbers (140% DL to BS ratio) indicate that his hamstrings are slightly more dominant than his quads (for load balance through the hips we want to see a 125% DL to BS ratio). They also suggest that a hip imbalance could be limiting his squat performance. Here’s how we test & measure the imbalance: 1) The amputee begins by standing on his right leg, with his heel approx. 12 to 18 inches away from a wall (the left leg is slightly bent, with toes touching the ground for balance). 2) With arms overhead, and a tight midsection, he flexes his right quad, hamstring, and glute, making his right hip immobile. 3) With the right hip locked in place, he begins to slowly reach behind him without overarching (as this may compromise the goal of isolating the hip flexor). 4) If he can touch the wall behind him (without falling into it), he will come out of the stretch, move his right foot slightly further away from the wall and repeat steps 2 & 3. 5) We repeat this process, moving his foot slightly further away from the wall each time, until he can barely touch the wall behind him. We then measure the distance from his heel to the wall. 6) We then perform the same test on the left leg. For Brian, this is the amputated leg and we suspect it will be tighter than the right as his left leg is smaller and weaker but must still support his weight. It has also been exposed to heavy weightlifting, which can magnify the imbalance, especially if an amputee favors one side of the body over the other. Assessment Results: Brian’s left leg is a little over 6 inches closer to the wall than his right - a common discrepancy on the prosthetic side. Now that it is measured, we can begin building exercises into his program to correct it, reassessing his progress at appropriate intervals. And with that comes more balanced strength throughout his body, improved function, and greater longevity in his sport - the sport of life. Subscribe to receive updates on how we make amputees stronger, healthier and fitter than ever.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:03:21 +0000
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