1.4 Common Movement Problems – What happens if you break a line(s)?
1. Dynamic Knee Valgus
2. Trunk Lean
3. Thoracic Collapse
4. Butt Wink
5. Open Scissor / Over Arch
6. Toe Out / Arch Collapse
1.4.1 Dynamic Knee Valgus
Figure 9. Dynamic Knee Valgus.
Dynamic Valgus is in inward movement of the knee. This motor control error is extremely common and it can lead to many lower body injuries. As with all motor control errors we need a multidimensional approach to fix it. The main muscular factor is poor hip control and poor hip strength – “our knees are slaves to hip control”. What happens at the hip ripples into our knee. Control the hip and the trunk (and to a lesser degree your feet) and you control your knees
Scoring Dynamic Valgus
• 1 = Knee approaches mid-line
• 2 = Knee is at midline
• 3 = Knee crosses midline
1.4.1.1 Examples
• All lands
• Jumps
• Hops
• Single Leg Squat
• Change in direction
• Running / Sprinting
1.4.1.2 Associated Problems
• ACL Ruptures
• ITB Syndrome
• Patellar Femoral Syndrome
1.4.2 Trunk Lean
Figure 10. Trunk Lean
Trunk lean is a strategy used by the body, particular during single leg stances to reduce movement errors, particularly at the knee. With compensatory trunk lean the athlete will lean towards the single leg side (stand on right leg, lean trunk towards the right leg) to help shift their body weight over the stance leg to reduce to amount of inward knee load.
How to Score
• 1 = > 15 degree lean
• 2 = > 30 degree lean
Examples
Associated Problems
1.4.3 Thoracic Collapses
Figure 11. Thoracic Collapse
Thoracic collapse is rounding of the thoracic spine. People with poor posture commonly slump their shoulders forward, move their chin forward and round their backs. Loading our spines or performing athletic movements in this position is not recommended – not only will performance decrease, but injury risk will be increased.
How to Score
Compare the Head Line with the Rib Cage Line.
• 1 = > 10 degree Rib Cage line
• 2 = > 30 degree toe out
Examples
• Hip Hinge
• Jumping
• Explosive Rotation Movements
Associated Problemss
1.4.4 Butt Tuck
Figure 12. Butt Tuck
When an athlete squats. Their spine MUST always remain in a neutral position. The Butt Tuck is when the pelvis rounds, commonly seen during full depth squat attempts. If the spine is loaded consistently in this position (flexion) an injury is likely, especially to the low back. Note this position is commonly used when an athlete wants to dissipate energy as in landing from a very high height. In these cases the load is distributed to reduce injury risk and it is appropriate.
How to Score
Compare the Pelvic Line with the Rib Cage Line. In a Butt Tuck the lines move closer to each other.
1 = Anything that is not neutral
Examples
Associated Problems
1.4.5 Open Scissor / Over Arch
Figure 13. Open Scissor / Over Arch
The Open Scissor is when an athlete over-arches. This is common in female athletes and the injury concern is an increased risk of low back pain and shoulder problems for overhead athletes.
How to Score
Compare the Pelvic Line with the Rib Cage Line. In an Open Scissor The lines separate from each other.
• 1 = > 15 degree toe out
• 2 = > 30 degree toe out
Examples
Associated Problems
1.4.6 Toe Out / Arch Collapse
Figure 14. Toe Out / Arch Collapse.
Normally an athlete should have their toes pointed less than 15 degrees in this position they are ready to be explosive or to absorb forces. When an athlete toes out more than 15 degrees they are at an increased risk for many injuries.
How to Score
• 1 = > 15 degree toe out
• 2 = > 30 degree toe out
Examples
Associated Problems
• Squatting
• Integrated Hip Power Movements
This common movement problem negatively impacts your ability to achieve the LAW of FOOT POWER
