We talk about a Neurocentric approach to rider biomechanics and movement correction and it all seem a little odd at times but over the next few blogs I am going to cover the current science and research across other sports.
Today we look at the midline stability and the effect of balance through our Vestibular system. Say what....??!!!
Let start with some terms and what they mean.
Mid line stability - Ability to control the centre of our body (spine) upright in relation to gravity and ability to adjust this with locations( walking, running, riding etc).
Vestibular System - Our inner ear sensory system that provides our brain information about head position, movement and spacial awareness. A little like the dials on a pilots dash board that tell them where plane is and if its level.
When we move through the world we continual use our multiple systems to feed back to the brain to tell us about our surroundings (Schmidt Et Al, 2018). Our Vestibular System is one of the key systems that tells your body about accelerations, rotations and its orientation of the head (Day et al, 2005). The Vestibular System sit in the inner ear, works mainly at an unconscious level to give you continual input on motion, autonomic control and voluntary movement (Day et al, 2005).
It was first reported back in 1958 that dysfunction of the Vestibular system and damage to the structure of the vestibular can cause vertigo and balance disruptions (Dix et al, 1958). As research has developed since then we now understand the vestibular system is very complex and works in unity with many other systems but has a fundamental role in balance and mid-line stability.
Recent research has found that as the vestibular system deteriorates with age it we lost power and have a increase in postural displacement ( Phuong Et Al, 2022). In this study they found women who where older lost power and postural control versus younger females. The difference was due to compensation and deterioration of the vestibular system. Neuroplasticity is the term used for the brains ability to change, adapt and modify function and structure, in response to experiences throughout our life, AKA Use it or lose it! With this in mind we know if we train and test our vestibular system on a regular basis we are able to make improvements, therefore, improving the speed and function of the vestibular system and improving balance and midline stability.
With this snippet or research (in a huge research field) we see that with people who suffer with postural displacement or issues within the vestibular system struggle with balance and mid-line stability.
With our riders we check the vestibular system to ensure this is working efficiently... and if not we help you fix it!
If you are struggle with balance, dizziness, or ear issues get in touch we can help ensure these are being fixed and enabling you to be the best rider you can be.
Contact us on Lotti@theneurocentricrider.co.uk or message 07757780202
References
Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioural Emphasis, Richard A. Schmidt, Timothy D. Lee, Carolee Winstein, Gabriele Wulf, Howard N. Zelaznik, 2018
The vestibular system
Brian L. Day and Richard C. Fitzpatrick, 2005
The Pathology, Symptomatology and Diagnosis of Certain Common Disorders
of the Vestibular System
Dix M, R and Hallpike C, S, 1958
Age-related reduction in peak power and increased postural displacement variability are related to enhanced vestibular-evoked balance responses in females
Phuong L.H, Wendy B.Peters, Michael A.McGeehan, Brian H.Daltona (2022)
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