This review article explains the networks that the trunk in vertebrates with limbs, and also how the central nervous system acts dynamically on the musculoskeletal system.

Guillaud E, et al. Locomotion and dynamic posture: neuro-evolutionary basis of bipedal gait. Neurophysiologie Clinique/Clinical Neurophysiology (2020),  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucli.2020.10.012

KEY POINTS: LOCOMOTION & DYNAMIC POSTURE

• Dynamic control of gait is supported by:
  
  • Locomotor activity that is produced by specialized rhythmogenic spinal circuits called central pattern generators (CPGs), and which cyclically drive axial and leg muscle activity (p.8)
  • Posture control systems which involve long spinal/supraspinal loops, and the integration of various sensory inputs (e.g. proprioceptive, visual and vestibular) at various supraspinal levels resulting in long latency responses (p.8).
    
    
• Dynamic balance in limbed vertebrates requires proper coordination of all...

This transcript includes highlights from the live, interactive session of our Clinical Conversation: Footwork Options for Pregnancy.

If you missed the live webinar, you can read about some of the biomechanical changes during pregnancy, as well as footwork options for your clinical Pilates practice below. 

Please join our next live event, where you can participate in our Case Study discussion and Q&A session. 

Check out our upcoming Clinical Conversations here. 

OUR FEET AS OUR FOUNDATION

•  Pilates sessions traditionally begin with footwork and other strength work to set a foundation for movement.
• By spending time building strength through the feet, you can help to support a stable and dynamic support for standing, and for upright movement.
• This is an incredibly functional place to begin, and it's no different when working with a pregnant body.

 CLINICAL PILATES EMBODIED ANATOMY: FOOTWORK...

By no means a thorough or robust study, we are including this one because of our belief in evidence-informed practice, and this paper does serve as a reminder of the importance of the diaphragm for postural control. (Better references included below.)

Menon, Vivek V., Mudasir R. Baba, Pavankumar, and Sneha Suresh. "Effects of Diaphragmatic Training on Posture and Stability in Asymptomatic Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial." Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy 14, no. 2 (April-June 2020), 221-225.

ANATOMICAL REVIEW: THE DIAPHRAGM

• The thoracic diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
• Comprised of central and peripheral parts, that converge at the central tendon.
• The central tendon fuses with the inferior surface of the pericardium.
• On either side of the central tendon, the diaphragm ascends to the left and right domes.

The peripheral, muscular portion  of the diaphragm is divided into...