In SMR, we adapt the body to the bike rather than adjusting the bike to fit the body. According to the SMR theory, over a lifetime, the nervous system develops dysfunctional movement patterns that can result in non-optimal firing patterns when cycling, including inhibition as a safety response.
Nervous System Adaptation:
The nervous system prefers to function optimally and can adapt quickly when properly prompted by specific, gentle manipulation. With SMR, I optimize clients' nervous systems to ensure their muscles fire correctly. I perform manual muscle tests on approximately 80 muscles.
Historically, I only checked muscle functionality with clients lying on the treatment table, corrected this then sent them on their way. Eventually, I realized that the nervous system exhibits different and more complex movement patterns when an individual sits, stands, bends, etc. For instance, the Gluteus Medius muscle might function correctly when lying down but not when standing.
Refinement of Functional Tests:
Over time, I refined my functional tests to ensure athletes perform optimally in all situations. I've worked with athletes across various disciplines, applying specific tests relevant to their sport. The Neuro Bike Fit extends this philosophy to ensure clients function at 100% during their chosen activity.
Traditional vs. Neuro Bike Fit:
A traditional bike fit optimizes a bike's angles and positions to maximize the rider's mechanical efficiency. In contrast, a Neuro Bike Fit session checks the nervous system's compatibility with the bike position without further adjusting the bike's settings. If the nervous system responds negatively, I correct the corresponding dysfunctional proprioceptors or acupoints through light manipulation, allowing for optimal motor control when cycling.
Detailed Explanation:
To understand why a Neuro Bike Fit is crucial for professional cycling, it’s essential to grasp the basics of how the nervous system works. The brain interprets sensory inputs from the body and sends motor control outputs based on this information. There is a constant feedback loop between intended movement and actual movement, which continuously tweaks muscle firing patterns and assesses the environment.
Within this feedback loop, safety mechanisms protect us if sensory input is faulty or perceived as defective. The nervous system can engage in two primary responses if a threat is perceived:
Inhibitory Response: This down-regulates or decreases a muscle's maximum force output, weakening either locally or globally. This response reduces the likelihood of ripping muscles off bones or breaking joints/bones during an accident.
Locking or Up-Regulating Muscles: This typical fight-or-flight response stiffens the muscles to gain stability, which is not optimal for efficient cycling.
Ideally, our nervous system should be able to inhibit and activate muscles around each joint, keeping joints centered for optimal movement with minimal wear. A threat response disrupts fluid movement, reduces efficiency, and can cause injury.
Unfortunately, compensation patterns built up over life's injuries can trigger these threat responses, leading to acute injuries and chronic pain as remnants of neurological mishaps.
The good news is that the brain strives for optimal function. When shown a dysfunction, its cause, and a more efficient way to perform, the brain adapts immediately.
Find out more about SMR here.
Book your appointment here... Neuro Bike fit - Initial treatment/assessment
Prepare for unconventional techniques merging eastern acupoint therapies, neuroscience, and functional movement.
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