Outline and explain the key subjective and objective findings that you would expect to observe when assessing a running athlete who presented with movement dysfunction
There are many ways in which dysfunction can manifest in a running athlete. Running involves the coordination of upper and lower limbs, breathing, muscle strength and length, muscular control and lower limb proprioceptive input. Injuries that occur secondary to running can present differently (Crossley, 2016), with the most common injury, especially in females, being patellofemoral joint syndrome (PFJS). Although there are a number of research articles looking at the cause and effect of PFJS, with movement dysfunction being one, the actual nociceptive structures …show more content…
This exercise utilises the Pilates reformer and can be varied by resistance (via springs), the addition of unstable surfaces or moving the individual further into range.
‘Scooter- Running Arms’ not only targets the hip abductors, where deficits are seen with activation and strength in individuals, such as Lauren with PFPS (Neal, 2016), but also mimics a functional running position. Other exercises included would focus on aspects of the hip and lumbo-pelvic region to improve control and strength. There would also be a focus on hip flexor strength and flexibility through her hips.
In Laurens case, due to the fatigue component of her pain, the number of exercises completed would be 3 sets of 15-20 to assist with the endurance capability of these muscles. Initially, to ensure correct alignment and motor control is maintained, the exercise number would be tailored to Laurens ability, using her fatigue as the limiting factor. Changes would be expected relatively quickly with neuromuscular changes happening within the first week, while at least 6 weeks of training is required to improve the strength of muscles