Movement quality is assessed by focusing on 5 key areas which we call 5-Site integrity. The 5 areas from head to toe are:
During any movement we want to observe that these 5 areas do not show a deviation from an ideal position. For example, during a single legged squat we examine how each site moves in comparison to a movement dysfunction – see video below. In this video notice how the knee dramatically moves inwards during a simple loading of the knee. Imagine the forces that are going through the knee, repeatedly when these athletes are competing. In fact, the inward movement of the knee (termed “dynamic valgus”) is a know mechanism for non-contact ACL injuries – to learn more about single legged testing click here.
Because each movement places a unique load to the body, we can understand the strengths and weaknesses of the each respective area and the body as a whole by testing the athlete through a battery of tests.
The evaluation process of movement is two parted – 1) basic movement screen and 2) power movements. These parts differ based on the speed, load and expression required to perform the movement. What is consistent during both parts is the evaluation of the body – 5-Site Integrity. By analyzing basic movements first, we evaluate how the body response to low loads, which are progressively increased until part two. During part two we want the athlete to produce maximum power, where we examine 5-Site Integrity and expression.
Principles of 5-STIE INTEGRITY
5-Site Integrity is based on several key principles – see table below. The ability of the body to maintain 5-Site integrity during any movement is based on these principles. Interestingly when we are evaluating each of the 5 key areas during movement we observe common movement dysfunction.
The execution of all movement is based on the principles of 5-Site Integrity which are:
- The body is made links / chains where motor control and muscular capacities are necessary to maintain proper area relationships.
- There are 5 key areas in the body that are interconnected.
- Each area must control against loads being applied to each area, where if any key area is unable to control against those loads the system is disrupted
- No movement is identical. Movements create unique loads at each key area.
- Posture and what we are exposed to effects the mobility, stability and force output of the system
- Movement requires proper mobility of all joints, where loss of mobility at one joint will effect the entire chain.
- Fatigue or poor work capacity will effect 5 site integrity
