Functional movement
Encyclopedia
Functional movements are movements based on real-world situational biomechanics
. They usually involve multi-planar, multi-joint
movements which place demand on the body's core
musculature and innervation.
swing or bowling
a cricket ball
, are based on sports-specific situations. While there is some cross-over application from sports-specific movements (such as running
), they are usually so specific that they supersede functional movements in complexity. Yet both sports and functional movements are dependent on the body's core.
. For example, a concentration biceps curl
attempts to isolate the biceps brachii, although by gripping the weight one also engages the wrist flexors
. These exercises tend to be the most far-removed from functional movement, due to their attempt to micromanage the variables acting on the individual muscles. Functional exercises, on the other hand, attempt to incorporate as many variables as possible (balance, multiple joints, multiple planes of movement), thus decreasing the load on the muscle but increasing the complexity of motor coordination
and flexibility
.
, which refers to the muscles of the abdomen and spine, such as segmental stabilizers
.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems, such as humans, animals, plants, organs, and cells. Perhaps one of the best definitions was provided by Herbert Hatze in 1974: "Biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of...
. They usually involve multi-planar, multi-joint
Joint
A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...
movements which place demand on the body's core
Core (anatomy)
In anatomy, the core refers, in its most general of definitions, to the body minus the legs and arms. Functional movements are highly dependent on the core, and lack of core development can result in a predisposition to injury...
musculature and innervation.
Sports-specific
Sports-specific movements, such as a tennisTennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
swing or bowling
Bowling (cricket)
In the sport of cricket, bowling is the action of propelling the ball toward the wicket defended by a batsman. A player skilled at bowling is called a bowler; a bowler who is also a competent batsman is known as an all-rounder...
a cricket ball
Cricket ball
A cricket ball is a hard, solid leather ball used to play cricket. Constructed of cork and leather, a cricket ball is heavily regulated by cricket law at first class level...
, are based on sports-specific situations. While there is some cross-over application from sports-specific movements (such as running
Running
Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground...
), they are usually so specific that they supersede functional movements in complexity. Yet both sports and functional movements are dependent on the body's core.
Muscle-specific
Traditional weight-lifting depends on muscle-specific program-design with the goal of muscle-specific hypertrophyHypertrophy
Hypertrophy is the increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells. It should be distinguished from hyperplasia, in which the cells remain approximately the same size but increase in number...
. For example, a concentration biceps curl
Biceps curl
The biceps curl is any of a number of weight training exercises that target the biceps brachii muscle in order to develop one or more of the following attributes:*size*definition*strength*endurance*power...
attempts to isolate the biceps brachii, although by gripping the weight one also engages the wrist flexors
Flexor carpi radialis muscle
In anatomy, flexor carpi radialis is a muscle of the human forearm that acts to flex and abduct the hand.-Origin and insertion:This muscle originates on the medial epicondyle of the humerus...
. These exercises tend to be the most far-removed from functional movement, due to their attempt to micromanage the variables acting on the individual muscles. Functional exercises, on the other hand, attempt to incorporate as many variables as possible (balance, multiple joints, multiple planes of movement), thus decreasing the load on the muscle but increasing the complexity of motor coordination
Motor coordination
thumb|right|Motor coordination is shown in this animated sequence by [[Eadweard Muybridge]] of himself throwing a diskMotor coordination is the combination of body movements created with the kinematic and kinetic parameters that result in intended actions. Such movements usually smoothly and...
and flexibility
Flexibility (anatomy)
Flexibility or limberness refers to the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints, and length in muscles that cross the joints. Flexibility is variable between individuals, particularly in terms of differences in muscle length of multi-joint muscles...
.
Biomechanics
Functional movement usually involves gross motor movement involving the coreCore (anatomy)
In anatomy, the core refers, in its most general of definitions, to the body minus the legs and arms. Functional movements are highly dependent on the core, and lack of core development can result in a predisposition to injury...
, which refers to the muscles of the abdomen and spine, such as segmental stabilizers
Segmental stabilizers
In anatomy and physiology, segmental stabilizers are the muscles which provide support across joints, as in the multifidus across spinal vertebrae.-In fitness:...
.