Performance Training

Proper biomechanics are extremely important for safety and for getting the most out of your body. By applying motor repatterning techniques to sports performance training or movement training, you can improve biomechanics for increased ease and efficiency of movement and greater movement potential.  For example, in order to jump (for basketball, parkour, etc.), the body needs to be able to squat. A squat gives more power going into the jump and allows the body to land in a way that disperses impact. In order to squat with good form, the body needs good hip mobility, which is something that is limited in fight or flight dominant motor patterns, as noted on the main motor repatterning page. Thus, by changing movement patterns at the hip joint and increasing mobility, the biomechanics of a squat can improve, which will give more power and better form to a jump.

As another example, there is broad application for gait and running as well. Fight or flight motor patterns change gait and weight bearing, and decrease joint space, and can increase wear and tear of connective tissues, especially at the joint. Motor repatterning can change these movement patterns, create healthier movement and improve the longevity of the body for running.

Regardless of the movement you would like to improve, with motor repatterning you can work on the mechanics of a component of movement, such as hip mobility, and then learn application to your athletic movement, such as squatting or jumping. The Fajardo Method® can help refine these movements for better and safer athletic performance.

Example Motor Repatterning Process for Jumping

Creating New Motor Patterns for Jumping

• Using the jump board brings the body through the same movement patterns as a standing jump and includes both a squat position and an extended leg position.
• Lying down helps the body release its habitual holding patterns, thus allowing the possibility for creating new motor patterns that are more biomechanically optimal.

Applying to Squatting and Jumping

• The body will eventually work to integrate these new motor patterns as the dominant standing movement patterns and use them in normal squatting and jumping movements. The TRX can provide support for the standing movement for this progression.
• Throughout the process, clients continuously gather sensory information via afferent nerves about the body’s structural position during movement. In the squatting image here the client is noticing his shin bone position. The sensorimotor cortex of the brain is able to make adjustments to the shin position, which creates a new motor pattern and continues to improve the movement.