Sub-areas of kinetics

Since kinesiology is considered to be a branch of kinesiology, there are several ways of describing movements, both in kinesiology and in kinesiology. Because of the different ways of looking at movements, numerous sub-areas (listed below) are necessary to describe the movements.

What is meant by functional movement theory?

The Functional Movement Theory was developed by the physiotherapist Dr. h. c. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach from Basel in Switzerland. The method consists of observing and evaluating different movement sequences in detail. On the basis of the observations, possible deviations from the norm are identified, which can be the cause of a variety of illnesses.

The aim of the method is to correct these movement sequences and to learn an optimal movement behaviour. Thus, causes of pain and complaints can be eliminated or injuries and diseases can be prevented. The Functional Movement Theory includes everyday techniques and exercises and is offered by a variety of physiotherapeutic institutions and health centres.

Most of the exercises can be performed with bare body weight, but aids such as medicine balls or weights are also used. Functional Kinetics is usually abbreviated (FBL) or translated as “Functional Kinetics”. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach is the developer of the concept of Functional Kinetics.

She was a Swiss gymnastics teacher and trained as a physiotherapist. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Medical University of Basel for the development of Functional Kinetics. She also founded a school for physiotherapy.

The basis for the development of Functional Movement Theory was the observation of movement sequences in healthy people. Klein-Vogelbach identified basic characteristics of healthy movement sequences that can be transferred to other people. She developed therapeutic exercises and techniques to correct disturbed movement sequences.

Through her dedication to acting and beautiful movement, harmony, rhythm and lightness play a central role in her observations. Her findings and techniques are still of great importance in physiotherapy today. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach died on November 9, 1996.

This topic might also interest you: Motor LearningThe founder of Functional Movement The founder of Functional Movement Theory developed a large number of exercises to evaluate movement sequences and to correct faulty sequences. The exercises can therefore help the observing therapist to determine the causes of pain and discomfort in order to help the patient to correct the causes and learn correct movement sequences. To ensure adequate execution, you should first perform these exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist or sports therapist.

Depending on your complaints, you can perform specific exercises and follow a training programme carefully adapted to your needs. Exercises of the Functional Movement Theory are for example: “Every hour again”: This is an exercise to strengthen the back muscles, which should be performed about three to four times per hour. During this exercise the back and shoulder girdle are alternately tensed and relaxed, in the maximum extension the back is pushed through and the head is overstretched, in the maximum flexion the chin is placed on the chest and the spine is rounded.

“Standing on man”: Also an exercise to stabilize the back muscles. The patient stands with his back to the wall, in front of him a chair. In the first phase, he presses his hands on the back of the chair with his spine against the wall, the back of his head should also be in contact.

By pressing his hands lightly, the patient releases from the chair, the spine is still pressed against the wall. “Thick head“: Sitting on a chair, the patient crosses his hands behind his head. Pressure is applied without the head moving.

In the next step, the head is pulled towards the right shoulder with the right hand, again the head withstands the pressure. The same is repeated on the left side. In further steps the neck and neck muscles are activated and stretched in different directions.

“Bed of the Fakir”: This exercise is suitable for training the posture. The practitioner sits on a Pezzi ball, arms in front of him as if he were holding a medicine ball in his hands. Now he walks slowly forward with his legs and rolls the Pezzi ball over his back to his shoulder.

Pelvis, chest and head remain in line. The heels are briefly lifted on both sides, then the practitioner slowly wanders back again with his feet until he sits on the ball. – “Every hour again”: This is an exercise to strengthen the back muscles and should be performed about three to four times per hour.

During this exercise the back and shoulder girdle are alternately tensed and relaxed, in the maximum extension the back is pushed through and the head is overstretched, in the maximum flexion the chin is placed on the chest and the spine is rounded. – “Standing on man”: Also an exercise to stabilize the back muscles. The patient stands with his back to the wall, in front of him a chair.

In the first phase, he presses his hands on the back of the chair with his spine against the wall, the back of his head should also be in contact. By pressing his hands lightly, the patient releases from the chair, the spine is still pressed against the wall. – “Thick head”: Sitting on a chair, the patient crosses his hands behind his head.

Pressure is applied without the head moving. In the next step, the head is pulled towards the right shoulder with the right hand, again the head withstands the pressure. The same is repeated on the left side.

In further steps the neck and neck muscles are activated and stretched in different directions. – “Bed of the Fakir”: This exercise is suitable for training the posture. The practitioner sits on a Pezzi ball, arms in front of him as if he were holding a medicine ball in his hands.

Now he walks slowly forward with his legs and rolls the Pezzi ball over his back to his shoulder. Pelvis, chest and head remain in line. The heels are briefly lifted on both sides, then the practitioner slowly wanders back again with his feet until he sits on the ball.