ROTATION AROUND THE SPINE IN SPRINTING - DAN PFAFF

👉 Rotation around the spine in sprinting
🚶 During walking gait, the shoulder axis moves counter to the pelvic axis, i.e.. right hip flexion and leg swing is coordinated and counterbalanced by left glenohumeral flexion and arm swing. This (counter) rotational action is designed to occur primarily through the thoracic spine with the majority occurring between the T8 - T11 segments (Fujimori et al. 2012).
When we observe an athlete progressing through a series of drills, or simply walking on the track, attention should be given to recognize where spinal rotation is occurring. As velocity increases, the amount of rotation should also increase. If rotation is lacking in the lower thoracic spine, it necessitates compensatory accommodation elsewhere. Most often, thoracic immobility results in increased rotational stress being exerted into the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints.
🏥 With a vertical facet orientation, rotation in the lumbar spine leads to compressive forces occurring between the sensitive cartilage joint surfaces. Repeated compression leads to inflammation of the lumbar facet joints, resulting in low back and sacroiliac joint pain, often combined with paraspinal muscular guarding and spasm.
In sprinting, rotation about the longitudinal axis of the spine, and particularly through the lower thoracic region, is imperative for efficient spinal mechanics and coordination between the opposite upper and lower extremity. Early recognition of rotational limitation will prevent compensatory changes elsewhere in the spine.
⚠️ If one does not recognize the limitation of mobility in the thoracic spine - and treatment is rendered only to the site of discomfort, symptom relief will be brief and severity will typically worsen over time. ⚠️
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#sprinting #speed #health #performance #therapy #coaching