Technology is hard to keep up with – nowhere more so than in the video capture and evaluation of human movement.  When I completed my biomechanics thesis in the mid 1980’s this meant filming in high speed – 35 fps or better (TV is about 24 fps) then digitising 16 marker points for each consecutive frame, printing stick figures from each frame, hand measuring each joint angle with a pencil and protractor of each stick figure, then using this data to calculate angular velocities. For a single 10 second exercise it would take nearly 2 days to extract any meaningful data – my study had 8 woodchopping subjects each doing three repetitions – weeks of data analysis. Today this could be done in a day with more accuracy and analysis of more variables. Here is an interesting post on woodchopping.

Motion Analysis of Woodchopping 1984

Why is this important? Motion capture gives a researcher, coach, health practitioner or personal trainer  a quantitative tool to study “dynamic ergonomics” (physical parameters both in two & three dimensions) and qualitative tool in observing pure motion. This provides insights for understanding the physical limitations of users and/or a therapy/exercise products’ suitability for a task (particularly  in the early stage of a product development process rather than the later usability testing stage).

For some great research articles on motion capture and analysis in sport and exercise visit the Motion Time Journal. Subscribe for regular updates and abstracts.

Motion capture and analysis has been used extensively in sports such as golf and tennis for many years.  Here you have applications for teaching/coaching skills, competitor analysis and racquet or club suitability.  There have been a number of workshops held internationally that are worthwhile investigation – here is an example from the University of Sussex in 2010. There are also a number of very good short courses on the technology of motion capture – broad ranging as this technology is used primarily for CGI special effects (Movies like Iron Man 2) or video game development. Deakin University in Australia has a very well regarded course.

The ready availability of technology for home users that was once the exclusive province of scientists, will mean that more and more innovative applications are developed on a weekly basis.  We have seen its applications in Wii Fit and my mind boggles at the future applications of the Microsoft Kinect System – currently a gaming system – but the future??

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi originates from Ancient China. Nowadays it is practiced throughout the world as an effective exercise for health. Tai Chi consists of gentle flowing movements that are relaxed and slow; breathing is deepened and slowed, aiding visual and mental concentration. It can be practiced almost anywhere and is a suitable form of exercise for just about everyone. The correct name for ‘Tai Chi’ is ‘Tai Chi Chuan’ (Taijiquan) which means ’supreme ultimate fist’ or boxing, and is referred to as ‘Moving Meditation’.

Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that provides practical methods to help people cope better with daily tasks and improve their quality of life.

How does it work for Diabetes?

Regular physical activity can aid people with diabetes by helping them improve their blood glucose levels. As a form of exercise, it is reasonable to assume Tai Chi will help improve cellular glucose uptakes and glucose metabolism.

Diabetes research studies held by the Australian Tai Chi Institute in conjunction with St George Hospital Sydney (Australia) showed those participants who maintained regular Tai Chi classes enjoyed significant improvement in their quality of life. The mental training is effective for relaxation, which is especially beneficial to people with diabetes.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, enhancing life energy (Qi) in the appropriate acupuncture meridians (energy channels) will improve diabetes.

What is Tai Chi for Arthritis?

Tai Chi for Arthritis is a program specially designed by Dr. Paul Lam in conjunction with his Tai Chi Associates and a team of medical experts. Based on the Sun style, Tai Chi for Arthritis is easy to learn, effective and safe.

Scientific studies conducted in 2001 by the Korean and Taiwan National Universities have shown this program to significantly relieve pain and improve physical function.

Can Tai Chi help back pain?

Back pain is a common and complex problem. According to new medical findings, it is closely associated with the deep stabilising muscles of the spine. Tai Chi’s essential principles are consistent with scientific methodology for strengthening the deep stabilising muscles.

Where can we learn more?

Master Cheryl Lee

Newcastle based Master Trainer Cheryl Lee began Tai Chi training in 1988 in Australia and Hong Kong, centring her traditional training in Sydney with Master Fong Lee and Master Kam Fung.

Her ‘Tai Chi Wellness’ and “Tai Chi 4 Kidz™” Instructor Certification Courses are approved by Fitness Australia and recognised nationwide.

The only Tai Chi Master Trainer in the Hunter Region accredited to the Australian Sports Commission, her passion for the many health benefits of Tai Chi inspired her focus on ‘Tai Chi for Health’ programs. Cheryl Lee is certified in Tai Chi for Arthritis, Diabetes and Back Pain and is one of only 45 world wide accredited Master Trainers in Health Forms.

Follow these 5 proven personal training business secrets, and quickly position yourself at the top of the market.

Being a personal trainer, it is always important to have a constant funnel of training clients ready to patronize your fitness trainer business. Without that steady flow of prospects your fitness business could very well struggle. Therefore, it is extremely important to know exactly how to create a steady flow of personal trainer prospects which you can turn into paying clients. The biggest complaint of personal fitness trainers is they don’t seem to ever have enough clients. This should not be difficult if a well sought out game plan is in order, and is proven to attract more fitness training clients. It just seems the personal trainer who always complains about not having enough clients is the one who does not plan, or follow a proven client attraction blueprint. Wouldn’t it be nice to own a fitness trainer business that has a continuous flow of fitness training prospects?

Below I have revealed 5 simple ways of attracting training clients to begin lining up and practically begging for your services. It would be extremely wise to incorporate some, or all of these tips in your personal trainer business marketing plan:

1. Incorporate the 3 foot, tell them all, rule

Everyone within three feet of you has the right to know about your business. Do not keep it a secret. You are a fitness professional and run a personal trainer business. Since health and fitness should be a top priority for the people around you, they most likely need your expertise, and specialized personal training services. Make sure you brand yourself, and your business well. Have personal trainer business cards printed up so you can distribute them to the people your encounter. I always feel putting your picture on the front/back of the card, and a motivational slogan on the back is a good idea. Do not be shy! Tell people, passionately, about what you actually do, and how you can empower them.

2. Build your referral network with other health care professionals

If you have a whole network of health care professionals who know you, like you, trust you, and are willing to refer clients to you, then you are leveraging your fitness trainer business.

Networking Key Local Health Professionals is Essential

It is like having a number of advocates talking up your training services, and offering a third party endorsement. Begin, immediately, leveraging yourself with other health care professionals.

3. Seek joint ventures with fitness equipment retail stores

When fitness enthusiasts purchase a piece of exercise equipment they generally need instruction from a qualified personal fitness trainer. Why shouldn’t that be you? When establishing a business joint venture it is crucial to present yourself in a very professional manner. It is important to bring along professional sales literature introducing yourself, and your fitness trainer business.

4. Get in PR mode

Educate yourself regarding PR, or hire a PR firm to aggressively market your firm. Become the celebrity expert, or go to personal trainer in your market. Whenever you can get press coverage, take advantage of it. Another good tips is to give back to your community, and always be searching for opportunities to get your name out to your market. Personal training public relations is the best form of advertising because it is news, and comes with a third party endorsement.

5. Incorporate seminars

You can do monthly, or weekly orientation seminars informing potential fitness training clients about how to get fit, and a greater insight into the specific of your personal trainer business. Share with seminar attendees how your services of fitness training can benefit them. Attracting new clients does not have to be as difficult as it appears. It just takes a bit of action. Just do it! Do not let anything hold you back. Create an action list of personal training marketing strategies you can do each and every day. If you invest an hour or two a day following through on your fitness business marketing plan, you will quickly obtain more training clients. Being consistent is the key. Create a plan, and stick to it long term.

Focusing on acquiring more personal training clients is the key to building a highly profitable fitness trainer business. Utilize as many fitness marketing tips you possibly can to propel your training business to the next income level. With a little personal training marketing education, your business will surely grow profitable.

Dan Fivey – A Successful UK based Personal Trainer

by K.D. Christensen DC, CCSP, DACRB

Selecting the ideal exercises for patients with back conditions requires judgment based on clinical experience and scientific evidence. There are several approaches to rehabilitation, and many different types of exercises are available; however, patients have a limited amount of time, willingness, and enthusiasm to exercise. Therefore, we must always try to give our patients the most effective exercises for their condition. But, what are the “best” exercises for Chiropractic patients?

Selection Criteria

The best exercises for a specific problem are those that will be rapidly effective, easy to learn and perform, and are safe; that is, they don’t worsen the current condition or aggravate other problems. The exercises must help the patient to regain normal alignment and easy, natural movement. And the end result should include a decreased chance of similar, recurring problems.

One Leg Balancing Using Bpdyblades

A successful and appropriate rehabilitative program for the back and/or neck can be designed without the use of expensive, joint-specific equipment. While rehab type machines can be very useful, current active care concepts consider such equipment not an absolute requirement. In fact, the low-tech approach can be very effective for the treatment of most spinal conditions. Additional personnel, fancy equipment, more office space, and extra time are not always necessary. With an understanding of normal spinal function, knowledge of the involved muscles, and some updating of exercise concepts, doctors of Chiropractic can effectively rehab their patients with timely in-office instruction and patient performance followed by simple home exercise procedures .

Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands

The “SAID” concept is one of the underlying tenets of the strength and conditioning field. [1] It describes the observation that our bodies will predictably change in response to the demands that are placed on them. If we frequently perform aerobic activities, then our lungs, hearts, and muscles become more efficient at taking in and processing oxygen. When we spend more time in activities requiring force and providing resistance, our bodies become stronger. And, if we practice balance and coordination skills, we improve our ability to function easier on unstable surfaces (such as on an incline, rolling ship or a pair of skates). In fact, these improvements in our abilities are quite specific, and we become better at doing whatever it is that we do most often.

Balancing on a Turtle

It has taken quite a while for those specialists in the treatment of spinal problems to incorporate the SAID concept into neck and back rehab programs. Recently, some of us have begun to use the same thought processes to design spinal exercises that we have used for decades to determine appropriate x-ray positions. As Chiropractors, we do recognize that the spine functions very differently when it is not weight-bearing. We now know that an ideal way to help our patients return to normal function is with exercises that imitate as closely as possible the real conditions under which the spine must function day after day. That certainly must include the specific stress of gravity in the upright position.

Kinetic Chain Exercises

When the spine is bearing weight it is part of a closed kinetic chain. This is the manner in which we use the joints and connective tissue of the spine during most daily and sports activities, and it requires the co-contraction of accessory and stabilizing muscles. Weaker or injured muscles can be quickly strengthened with the additional use of isotonic resistance to stimulate increases in strength. Isotonic resistance can come from a machine, from weights, from elastic tubing, or just using the weight of the body. Perhaps more important than the equipment used is whether the spinal support structures are also exercised in an open or a closed-chain position.

Open-chain exercises for the spine are done non-weight bearing, while either lying on the ground or immersed in water (which removes much of the effect of gravity). Both floor-based and water-based exercises have some specific usefulness, primarily during the acute stage.

A good example of this is a study comparing closed vs. open kinetic chain exercises for the training of the thigh muscles. Augustsson et al. wanted to improve their subjects’ vertical jump height. [2] Two groups exercised twice a week at maximal resistance – one group doing closed-chain exercises (barbell squats), and the other working on the knee extension and hip adduction weight machines (open-chain exercising). At the end of six weeks both groups had gained considerable strength, but the closed-chain exercisers were the only ones who improved significantly in the vertical jump. Since jumping is a closed-chain activity, the SAID concept tells us to expect that closed-chain exercising will likely be more effective.

Functional Position Exercise

We know that the functional origins and insertions of many muscles change when changing position from standing to lying down. Certainly the proprioceptive input from receptors in the muscles, connective tissues, and joint capsules is very different between the two positions. This is why it is also important to bring neck and back rehab exercises closer to real-life positions, and it explains why patients make rapid progress when they are taught to exercise in a functional (upright) position.

Patients initially may need to exercise when lying down. However, continual floor-based exercises do not train muscles and joints to function in upright functional postures. The neurological patterns that are developed on the floor or in a pool may not resolve problems encountered in upright activities. Generally, continually learning new skills and habits on the floor doesn’t translate to better functioning during upright activities And, some patients don’t like to get down onto the floor to exercise, anyway.

By staying up off the floor, exercising in a weight-bearing position is actually easier for most patients. In addition to being more focused and practical, upright exercising trains and strengthens the spine to perform better in everyday activities. Patients accept the idea of doing exercises that clearly prepare them for better function during normal activities of daily life.

How to Spot a “Sham” Exercise

When investigators want to test treatments, they always require a “control” group, which is given a treatment that is known to be ineffective. A 1998 study on back pain published in the respected journal Spine taught several popular low back exercises to the control group. As with other studies, the researchers found no improvement using these exercises. [3] The six exercises considered a “sham” treatment included: knee-to-chest stretches, partial sit-ups (”ab crunches”), pelvic tilts, hamstring stretches, “cat and camel”, and side leg lifts. The problem with these and most other commonly recommended back exercises is that the joints, discs, muscles, and connective tissues are not bearing weight during the exercise; therefore, the movements performed while exercising do not prepare or retrain these structures for daily activities. On the other hand, exercises performed with the spine upright (standing or sitting) against resistance specifically train and condition all involved structures to work together smoothly. Thus, effective exercises are ones that are performed upright, in a closed kinetic chain.

The Value of Balance Exercises

For many athletes (whether recreational or competitive), it is important to regain the fine neurological control necessary for accurate spinal and full body performance. This means that about five to ten minutes of each workout should be spent exercising while standing on one leg, with the eyes closed, while standing on a mini-tramp, or using a special rocker board. The advantage of these balance exercises is seen when athletic patients return to sports activities and can perform at high levels without consciously having to protect their backs. Back exercises done on a rocker board or while standing on one leg can be more useful than those done on a gym ball, since the entire body is in a closed-chain position during the exercises. The stabilizing muscles, the co-contractors, and the antagonist muscles all have to coordinate with the major movers during movements that are performed during closed-chain exercising. This makes these types of exercises very valuable in the long run, particularly for competitive athletes.

Floor work wearing 5 Fingers

Functional Alignment

Many chronic spinal problems develop secondary to an imbalance in weight-bearing alignment of the lower extremities. In fact, lower extremity misalignments — such as leg length discrepancies and pronation problems — are frequently associated with chronic pelvis and low back symptoms. [4] Any of these that are present will need to be addressed in order to resolve the patient’s current symptoms and to prevent future back problems. The use of adjustments, exercises, and custom, flexible orthotics for the lower extremities is especially critical when a functional approach is taken. The effects of weight bearing and the alignment of the kinetic chain must be considered.

Conclusion

Selecting the best exercise approach for each patient’s back problem is important. A well-designed exercise program allows the doctor of Chiropractic to provide cost-efficient, yet very effective rehabilitative care. Exercises performed with the spine upright (standing or sitting) specifically train and condition all the involved structures to work together smoothly. The end result is a more effective rehab component and patients who make a rapid response to their Chiropractic care. Except for brief periods in patients who are acute, caution must be heeded for continual exercises that don’t place patients in real-life, functional positions. While this may require a change in standard procedures, it is consistent with Chiropractic philosophy and treatment approaches. When you persist with this, you will experience dramatic improvements in patient outcomes.

References

1. Fleck SJ, Kraemer WJ. Designing Resistance Training Programs. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1987.

2. Augustsson J et al. Weight training of the thigh muscles using closed vs. open kinetic chain exercises: a comparison of performance enhancement. J Orthop Sports Phys Therap 1998; 27:3-8.

3. Snook SJ et al. Reduction of chronic nonspecific low back pain through the control of early morning lumbar flexion — a randomized controlled trial. Spine 1998; 23:2601-2607.

4. Rothbart BA, Estabrook L. Excessive pronation: a major biomechanical determinant in the development of chondromalacia and pelvic lists. J Manip Physiol Therap 1988; 11:373-379.

Published on www.ccptr.org July 26th, 2003. For more about the author go to http://www.ccptr.org/rehabilitation-specialist/kim-christensen-d-c/

By: Brian Jones, Exercise Physiologist & Personal Trainer

As an Exercise Physiologist and Certified Personal Trainer, I am continuously looking for new ways to challenge and to intensify to my client’s training sessions. The most versatile piece of exercise equipment I have been using is the AOK Weighted Vest which has provided my clients with great results! Before I started using the AOK Weighted Vest, it was important to find sources that were knowledgeable fitness professionals that understand the importance of having safe and effective fitness exercise equipment. Personal trainers, coaches, athletic trainers, occupational and physical therapist can implement the AOK Weighted Vest in their training sessions with their clients.

Its unique flexible GEL Fit Body Contour design fits clients from small to large, and because it is a comfortable snug fit, it does not hinder any of our exercise drills. It keeps the weight close to your body for maximum benefit.

The AOK Weighted offers trainers and users many benefits!

• Improves strength, power, and endurance
• Increase core strength
• Great for improving your vertical jumps
• Increase power and muscle activation
• It can improve bone density
• Can help the elderly to strengthen bones
• Can be used during resistance training exercises
• Can be used for cardio or walking

I use the AOK Weighted Vest with clients who want to get results with weight loss. When wearing the AOK Weighted Vest, it will help raise your metabolic rate, which in turn will burn up to 70% more calories. If you train regularly the AOK Weighted Vest can improve blood pressure, decrease cholesterol, increase muscle tissue and reduce stress. All of these benefits will help your body burn more fat and improve your overall health!

Use the AOK Weighted Vest for a variety of exercises, including:

• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Push-ups, planks, hovers, reverse planks, supine bridge, and side planks
• Yoga and posture drills
• Indoor and outdoor cycling
• Pilates
• Pull ups
• … the list is endless!

In the American Fitness article Resistance to the Core (2005), the authors give examples of how exercise routines would benefit from wearing a weighted vest. The following guidelines would be a great way to use the AOK Weighted Vest.

Exercise Recommendations: Individuals exercise to increase cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and skill related to an activity of interest as well as improving body composition.

Cardiovascular Fitness Guidelines: the following are published exercise guidelines to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (ACSM, 2002; AFAA 2002)

• 3 to 5 times per week
• Intensity of 55/65 percent to 90 percent of HRmax or 40/50 percent to 85 percent HRR
• 20 to 60 minutes in duration

Exercise progression will vary with the participant’s goals, i.e., athletes will progress differently than those who are exercising for general fitness. Training recommendations also depend on a client’s physical abilities, health status, age and preferences.

Resistance Training Guidelines: the following are published exercise guidelines for resistance training (ASCM, 2002; AFAA 2002)

• 2 to 3 days per week
• 1 set of 8 to 10 exercises that condition the major muscle groups (multiple-set-regimens may provide greater benefits if time allow)
• 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise – for older, more frail persons (approximately 50 to 60 years and above), 10 to 15 repetitions may be more appropriate

To ensure training effect occurs, fitness professionals must educate the client regarding the principle of overload. Depending on the client, incremental changes can be made to the frequency, intensity, duration or mode to assist the client in achieving a training effect from overload. Optimal strength occurs by using weights that promote maximal muscle tension, while endurance gains occur by using lighter weights and more repetitions. Depending on a client’s goals, fitness professionals may elect to use a variety of resistance training systems.

A final note about the AOK Weighted Vest

The great thing about the AOK Weighted Vest is almost anyone can benefit from it. If you are a serious athlete you can use the Vest to challenge yourself to new levels. If you are an intermediate athlete you can use the Vest to develop a stronger core, which will give you strength for all physical activities. If you want to lose weight and burn fat faster than this is the fitness equipment tool for you. It will help you build endurance, power and improve your overall quality of life!

The premise for using such devices, is the dramatic improvements in functional balance and core conditioning that can be achieved. This is often the case when these abilities are compromised through injury or other deficits but not always the case when talking about  sport-specific gains that are reported from using all these tools.

What Is Balance Anyway?

Uninjured or impaired athletes don’t have the same balance training needs as the rehabilitating athlete.  In order to fully critique the current use of balance training for athletes, we should first have a general idea of what balance is. Balance, is simply defined as the ability to maintain the center of gravity (COG) over the base of support (BOS).

This ability is made possible by the co-operation and co-ordination of three primary sensory systems: the visual, the vestibular (inner ear), and the somatosensory (Click here for a Power Point Presentation – Proprioception changes with injury) systems. These three systems are often referred to as the triad of postural control. It is through the combined feedback from these three key systems that we are able to move and maintain balance without falling over.

Balance Strategies

An important concept to understand how we regain balance after losing it is postural sway. Postural sway is the normal, continuous shifting of the COG over the BOS. When an individual is able to keep within their limits of stability, balance is maintained. However, when postural sway exceeds these limits, a restabilizing strategy is required in order to prevent falling. There are three fundamental strategies for regaining balance that have been identified: the ankle strategy, the hip strategy, and the stepping strategy.

During mild postural perturbations, most people will use the ankle strategy to regain an upright stance. This strategy simply recruits the ankle platarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors to correct any minor disruption in upright stance. No stepping action is necessary with this strategy. Several common balance devices such as the rocker board, foam rollers, and balance pads elicit the ankle response.

If postural perturbations are even greater, the hip strategy might be used alone or in conjunction with the previously mentioned ankle strategy. During the hip strategy, balance is regained by flexing and extending the hips and spine in order to keep the COG within the confines of the BOS. If successful, no stepping action is needed.

With even more disruption to ones balance, the body calls upon the stepping strategy in which a forward, backward, or lateral step must be taken in order to restore balance. This type of strategy is much more common in sporting type of situations as it typically occurs under more ballistic conditions than the previous mentioned strategies. Also, due to the speed in which these corrective steps must be taken, little or no feedback is used to modify the movement. This type of control is also known as feedforward or open loop control, and it is common to many sports and even daily activities that require speed, quickness, or a fast reaction time.

When an athlete is standing on a balance device, they are typically only working the ankle and hip strategies to regain balance and are able to receive adequate feedback about how to correct their balance. This is not very specific to the demands of real life and sport so these balance drills can hardly be called sport-specific. Also, many of the surfaces (foam rollers, Swiss-balls) differ greatly from any surface found in most sporting situations.

Unless incorporating very innovative training drills the reality of using most of these devices, is that they are specific skills that may really only help the athlete learn how to better use the particular device. While there is probably no harm in using them, one has to ask if time could possibly be spent doing something more beneficial. Balance, like most other motor qualities, is specific to each task and sporting situation. Good balance in one situation does not guarantee good balance in another!

So What Is One To Do?

There is nothing wrong with using these devices so long as their limitations are realized and other, more sport-specific exercises are not being left out.  Many of the devices are a lot of fun to perform and can provide novel variation for athletes.  I personally like to use the various balance devices as active recovery or during periods of lower loading as might occur in a periodized program. However, if ones time is limited, only the most beneficial exercises should be included exercises such as variations of Olympic lifts, the 3 power lifts (squat, deadlift, and bench press), (Click here for downloadable document on Plyometrics) Plyometrics, and other important accessory movements should never be omitted for specific balance exercises.

If one includes variations of gymnastics tumbling, hopping, skipping, jumping, and sprinting activities in is hard to think that any further balance training is necessary. The martial arts also provide some very dynamic and effective forms of balance training for athletes. Getting back to balance devices, there are a couple of that I think prove to be more useful than others. The Fitter Bongo and Indo board serve as useful balance challenges that can be made to be much more unpredictable than the common balance board and foam roller exercises.

Additionally, if one takes an upright sport-specific drill, Olympic lifting or strength movement and closes the eyes (or wears a blindfold!), the proprioceptive demands increase considerably. The late Dr. Mel Siff, world-renowned sport scientist, referred to this as imperfection training. One can, for example, shift slightly back and forth while at the bottom of a Snatch, holding a bar overhead, or during the beginning of a Squat before the descent. With a little creativity, one can turn any drill, exercise, or sport-specific movement into a balance or imperfection drill.

Using the holistic longitudinal anatomy model of Thomas Myers’ Anatomy Trains as a guide, James has created a user friendly movement based workshop.

The workshop explores upright motion, breathing, eccentric anatomical loading and movement patterns to streamline a holistic approach to back pain strategies in both clinic and studio environments.

The workshop gives manual therapists and movement professionals a subtle insight into understanding the anatomical needs of the back pain client and addressing those needs in a safe and simple way. The workshop covers client assessment, myofascialmove strategy creation and movement selection for optimal back health.

Myofascialmoves has a strong practical component complimented by science based principles and strategies that you can implement immediately into the clinic or studio environment.

“This workshop is the culmination of my clinical and studio approaches to myofascial back pain and dysfunction” explains James.

For more information or to pre register your interest in the workshop click here.

We are sponsoring Paul’s seminar series in 2010 and feel the information you will receive will be of great benefit to your business.

Full details are available at the new Million Dollar Health Professional website www.healthbusinessprofits.com where you can also register for Paul’s FREE ” 7 Health Profit Tips ” emails and FREE e-book.

To secure your $37 “sponsor rate” use the code : AOK2010 when you register – however we only receive a limited number of “sponsor rate” tickets so register asap to secure your discount on this great seminar event.

Below is the information on Paul’s seminar series – we look forward to seeing you again at the events – they are always good fun and deliver loads of information.

The Team at AOK Health

Seminar Topics Include:

• The 3 health business breakthroughs that all health professionals MUST know to succeed in business in the new millennium – are you using them?
• How more than 90% of health professionals are losing money they don’t even know existed and how to regain that lost income
• The 3 key technological developments you must implement NOW to stay in the game – are you using them?
• Why your competition is not who you think it is and how this is negatively impacting your business.
• The 2 key reasons you are losing thousands of dollars each and every month and what to do about it.
• How to ethically take your income to a new level with no increased costs – I will show you how I am doing it.
• The 4 stakeholders in your business and how most health professionals are letting one or all of them down every day
• Why current health business models no longer work and what to do about it – are you keeping up with the trends in health care?
• How to maximise your business opportunities to make this year your best and most profitable year ever
• A simple model that if you use it correctly in your health business will dramatically increase profits – when I heard this it hit me like a ton of bricks, this can produce staggering results to your business bottom line.

Dates

• Canberra – March 3rd Rydges Lakeside
• Newcastle – March 9th Wests Mayfield
• Brisbane – March 10th Holiday Inn
• Perth – March 16th All Seasons
• Adelaide – March 17th Mercure Grosvernor
• Melbourne – March 24th Bayview Eden
• Sydney – March 31st Crows Nest Centre

Register NOW at
www.healthbusinessprofits.com
follow the link to the “seminars” registration page.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), formerly know as the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS), is a professional organisation which is committed to establishing, promoting and defending the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners, who are in turn committed to best practice and client well-being. The central tenet of our profession is that:

“Exercise and Sports Science is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human movement in the broadest sense, including general physical activity pursuits such as goal oriented fitness regimens and recreational sport as well as elite sport and the area of performance enhancement. It includes the knowledge, methods and applications of subdisciplines (ie. exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development, exercise and sport psychology) as well as how they interact”.

AAESS was officially founded in 1991, and changed its trading name to ESSA in 2010. It was founded to meet the professional needs of exercise and sports scientists in Australia. It is directed by an Executive Board comprised of leading academics and practitioners in these fields and is supported by a growing number of regional chapters throughout Australia.

AAESS Pty Ltd (trading as ESSA) is an incorporated body and its constitution has been registered with the Australian Securities Commission.

Why is ESSA needed?

Current research emphatically confirms the importance of regular moderate physical activity for public health. Authorities that recognise and support these findings include World Health Organisation (Position Statement 1995), the US Surgeon General (Position Statement 1996), the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (1997) and American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association (2007) .

As a result, there is considerable interest in the exercise and sports science fields from within the government/public and private sectors.

Responsible advocacy of broad based public participation in physical activity necessarily requires that professional service providers are available.

ESSA members are qualified to comprehensively assess an individuals exercise capacity and can ensure that participation is safe and achieves the optimum outcomes for all sectors of the population.

By Odd-Egil Olsen et al – Sports Trauma Research Center, University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo, Norway

BMJ  2005;330:449 (26 February), doi:10.1136/bmj.38330.632801.8F (7 Feb 2005)

Introduction

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general and of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, obesity, and diabetes mellitus in particular.

Balance Pad Drills For Throwing & Catching

However, participation in sports also entails a risk of injury for all athletes, from the elite to the recreational level.   Studies from Scandinavia document that sports injuries constitute 10-19% of all acute injuries seen in emergency departments, and the most common types are knee and ankle injuries.  Serious knee injuries, such as injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, are a growing cause of concern.  The highest incidence is seen in adolescents playing pivoting sports such as football, basketball, and team handball. In these sports, women are three to five times more likely to contract a serious knee injury than men.

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament may require surgery, always entail a long rehabilitation period, and drastically increase the risk of long term sequelae.  Although treatment methods have advanced notably, there is no evidence to show that repair of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament or isolated cartilage lesions prevents early development of osteoarthritis. 

Wobble Board Drills While Catching & Throwing

Effective methods for preventing injuries therefore need to be developed. Some studies report promising results, indicating that it may be possible to reduce the incidence of knee and ankle injuries among adults  and adolescents. However, these studies are small and mainly non-randomised, with important methodological limitations.  Prospective randomised intervention studies are therefore needed, especially among children and adolescents, to assess the efficacy of interventions aiming to reduce injuries. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of a structured programme of warm-up exercises used to prevent acute injuries of the lower limb in young people playing sports.  To minimise overlap within clubs, we used a cluster design.

Conclusion A structured programme of warm-up exercises can prevent knee and ankle injuries in young people playing sports. Preventive training should therefore be introduced as an integral part of youth sports programmes.

Here is an interesting article on proprioception and ankle rehabilitation.