Derived from the Clinical Study:

An ‘ Integrated Multifactor Clinical Evaluation of Short-term Modifications in Posture, based on the Method of DellaGrotte Core Integration, the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais, and functional myofascial dynamics in postural re-education, using the ISTAP Protocol’

In May 2006, we conducted a clinical study with a small group of participants. The aim of the study was to see how much change and improvement could take place within a given period of time using a well-defined approach based on mapped myofascial movement pathways and and the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais.

Background:

The relationship of posture, the fascia, and idiopathic pain syndromes has been of longstanding interest. Adaptive and compensatory deviations from biomechanical body equilibrium produce both stress and turbulence in the musculoskeletal-myofascial system. Can improvement in postural parameters attended by myofascial lengthening in biomechanical based core pathways of movement transmission affect posture and the reduction of pain?

Methods:

The authors tested and retested a method of myofascial lengthening, Core Integration, on 16 participants over a period of two months, based on 25 biomechanical parameters, using the ISTAP [Institute of Posturology, Florence, Italy] digital protocol developed by Dr.Ridi and Dr.Bassi.

Using test results, Dr. DellaGrotte assigned specific myofascial pathway exercises for participants in combination with selective manual application by assigned practitioners. Each participant’s facilitator agreed to be available for individual treatment and teaching, as arranged between subject and practitioner, or by request as needed. Each movement lesson-exercise was to be performed on a regular basis: at least once a day from minimum of one minute to 30 minutes.

Results:

Of 20 tested, 16 agreed to follow the protocol. In actuality, only 14 followed the protocol, and when retested, all 14 showed relative individual and group improvement {see the charts], two months later, in postural equilibrium, statistically demonstrated to be “‘well above the average obtainable by chance alone.”’ [Reference: graphic study charts, ISTAP]

Limitations of the Study and Caveats:

Each of the 25 parameters used showed differences. For example, in all the spatial table (static) measurements, the ones that revealed postural imbalances, the changes at the end of testing were greater than the dynamic. For example, foot and foot balance measurement testing [formally referred to in the Italian version of the study as “podoscopic “and “podobarometric”] showed less changes than upper body measurements. Ridi explains this by hypothesizing that the upper body might respond to changes more than the lower. He also hypothesizes that given the short time between testing, the dynamic components are slower to integrate. So, gait is not likely to change as much as general postural subsets. Subjects can learn better postural equilibrium faster than they can learn to change foot landing pressure. However, Dellagrotte and Madore posit that further testing might reveal that with facilitator’s greater attention to foot, leg, and hip organization, results might show differently.

The three hypotheses summation:

1] Static vs. dynamic parameters

2] Brevity of time between testing

3] Differences in access to facilitation: those who had easier access to well-trained facilitators showed more improvements

Conclusion: the methodology of Core Integration based on the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais, and neurosomatic reeducation through specific lesson-exercises, applied and tested in the frame of only 70 days between testing and retesting, indicates a potential for effective treatment of postural pain disorders based on myofascial pathway lengthening.

[Core Integration is a method of somatic therapeutic reeducation based on CNS neuro-myofascial movement pathways, and application of the teachings of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais].

References: Renzo Ridi, Clinical Study Report, ISTAP. August 2006. Conducted in Florence, Italy using a diagnostic computerized software protocol. 25 parameters of posture were analyzed and from all cardinal planes with attention to the following postural viewing levels: cephalic, sterno-scapular, pelvic girdle, plus foot placement and plantar pressure in gait [‘podo-dynamic’]. 10 pages of tabulated results of the Clinical Study are being prepared for publication.

Lengthening of myofascial tissue:

For a human being-and all other creatures large and small with a brain/CNS operating system, lengthening is important. What is of critical importance and priority is whether a person is able to self-organize in necessary functional activities of everyday life, and how this can be done. From the perspective of therapy, we are interested in finding the best way [in instances of injuries and recoveries] to return to necessary functioning, or to improve in functional ability. There is also a general social-educational application from

enhancing health, well-being and fitness, extending into sports and performance.

Lengthening is a key component in body and movement integration.

Lengthening has value when it contributes to at least three life-sustaining and functional fitness-promoting criteria:

1] It allows for better body organization and dynamic postural equilibrium

2] It allows for greater efficiency and energy conservancy

3] It allows for greater kinetic energy by gathering potential energy in muscles

Methodology of Core Integration

The method of lengthening we used is based on defining and mapping six core movement pathways that can account for the transmission of movement in any biomechanical system. The biomechanical based pathway approach we use enables us to track and measure the segmental amount of lengthening that are finally revealed in the final common pathway of the functional action expressed. The pathway used is defined with the following criteria:

• It contains a vector of force, direction, and myofascial tensegrity.
• It passes through the center of gravity and represents the most efficient expenditure of energy
• Using the pathway enhances all functional activities
• Using the pathway minimizes stresses and damage, including the secondary pain syndromes associated with stresses and strains on bones, joints, muscles and fascia.

The pathway paradigm enables the subject to map, track and organize movement to produce what one intends, instead of something else.

The pathway approach allows both therapist and client to gain control of segmental lengthening with awareness, and is therefore reproducible by the user.

Hypothesis:

The central nervous system (CNS) can best track and organize efficient movement when there is recognition of, clear direction to and perceived connection with functional-structural myofascial pathways. The process leads to neuromuscular and myofascial-postural reorganization. Integration is achieved, reflected in improvement in postural equilibrium.

The pathway paradigm enables the subject to map, track and organize movement to produce what one intends, instead of something else. The pathway approach allows both therapist and client to gain control of segmental lengthening with awareness, and is therefore reproducible by the user.