Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:18 -0800WeeblySun, 15 Dec 2013 16:25:59 GMThttp://healthexconnex.com/blog/biomechanics-definedThere are two types of biomechanics:  extrinsic and intrinsic (Siff, 2003).  Extrinsic is the study and measurement of movement patterns of a particular task.  This is widely recognized and used in functional movement screen programs and other existing external observation and coaching techniques.  It constitutes the existing paradigm and the movement itself is the primary focus of assessment.

An intrinsic biomechanics emphasis, however, falls outside of the current paradigm.  It is a discipline in science that encompasses the analysis and assessment of an individual’s internal mechanics and how theintegrated system – skeletal, muscular, and neural – facilitates the movement.  An intrinsic biomechanical profile can be impacted by genetically inherited traits as well as external factors such as sitting at a desk, driving, doing the ‘wrong’ gym exercises or running in the ‘wrong’ shoes.  But ultimately, our intrinsicbiomechanics determines our ability and efficiency to perform movement.

Most of us – athletes and sedentary alike – become very successful at performing repetitive daily tasks.  However, most of us also rely on our body’s masterful ability to compensate for intrinsic biomechanical issues without even knowing it.  This can often be the difference between fitness and injury.

An Intrinsic Biomechanist™ is able to objectively screen for anomalies and subsequently prescribe corrective exercise techniques to mitigate the adverse effects.  As opposed to functional movement screening, wherein the movement itself in analyzed, Intrinsic Biomechanists™ establish the internal dynamics within the musculoskeletal system.  This dramatically reduces the guesswork inherently found in external observation and screening and therefore exercise prescription, too.  No longer does the trainer react to a perceived postural or functional flaw; instead, the exercise professional is able to determine with a high level of efficacy, the underlying reasons for the flaw.  This quite often renders traditional prescription redundant at best, and unfortunately sometimes contraindicated.

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