Injuries/Injury Prevention Articles

Many people suffer from back pain, but the most commonly used pain-relief methods come up short, suggests information from a recent study. The study, which was published in the April 1 issue of Spine (2009; 34 [7], 718–24), was designed to determine current approaches to management of low-back pain (LBP). According to data gathered from 732 respondents aged 21 and older, exercise was one of the most effective methods of relief, but also the most seldom employed.

Footbar position #4, pulleys cover #1, 1 spring STARTING POSITION Standing at one side of Reformer facing footbar, one knee resting on carriage, with foot against shoulder rest and hip extended. Other foot on floor slightly in front of pelvis, knee flexed slightly. Arms reaching overhead to hold same-side strap, elbows soft. Spine extended slightly with gaze upward.

The work of Joseph Pilates was developed more than 80 years ago during a time when the population was made up of far fewer obese individuals. Today we have a chance to reach out to this population and apply Pilates techniques and principles to a demographic that desperately needs to be introduced to the powerhouse.

Teenagers who participate in weight-bearing activities may have stronger bones later in life, suggests a new study in the January 2009 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Japanese researchers examined the bone structure of 46 postmenopausal women, who were grouped according to their sport participation levels during the physically formative adolescent years (12-18 years).

Want to cut a few strokes off your golf game? Or thinking about trying golf for the first time? Whether you're new or experienced on the greens, a sport-specific conditioning program can give you an edge. Even if a training program doesn’t help your score, it could keep you on the course rather than on the sidelines with a nagging injury, says Dawn Norman, MA, ACT, athletic trainer and golfer. <...

As the summer temperature rises, so does the number of people hitting the links for a bit of friendly (or not) competition. But poor form and inappropriate training methods can keep eager golfers from participating in their outdoor activity of choice. According to IDEA author Catherine Logan, MSPT, simple adjustments to swing and a proactive attitude will allow for ...

Iyengar yoga can help improve stability and balance in women over age 65, which could help to prevent falls, finds a preliminary study out of Temple University’s Gait Study Center.Researchers at the School of Podiatric Medicine and the College of Health Professions examined the gait and postural stability of 24 elderly females who were enrolled in an Iyengar yoga program specifically designed for those over 65. They found that at the end of the 9-week program, participants had a faster stride, increased flexibility in the lower extremities, improved single-leg stance and increased confidence in walking and balance.

The practice of corrective exercise is booming. Even clients are starting to understand that achieving their end goal might require some customized corrective exercises—which could mean taking a step backward before they move forward. What are some basic, effective corrective exercises? Here are three popular ones, with explanations as to how they might have developed and how they are ...

Some people believe that stretching before exercise lowers your injury risk. However, research has found that mild stretching can cause damage at the cytoskeletal level of the muscle (Bracko 2002). Static stretching has an analgesic effect, a response that the body uses as a

In a previous issue of Inner IDEA Body-Mind-Spirit Review, we asked: Has a client or participant ever been injured while taking a class or