Reference materials for assessment procedures

[Esteban]

I'm looking for reference materials on posture, flexibility, strength, balance, mobility and function assessment procedures. Something along the lines of Chapter 6 of the book "Scrawny to Brawny" ( http://www.scrawnytobrawny.com/ ), or the first section of the book "Athletic Body in Balance" ( http://www.humankinetics.com/product...archType=title ).

Do you people know of any materials that cover these topics?

A few days ago I found that NASM offers a CEU that covers those topics, "Integrated Kinetic Chain Assessment" as part of their "Human Movement Science" course:

http://www.nasm.org/ContinuingEducat...ntScience.aspx

Has anyone enrolled on that course? What do you think of it?

Thank you.

[Chris Correia]

Esteban: Interestingly, I just ordered those two books for the same reasons you noted.

Here in one web link you might find useful:

http://www.planetkc.com/exrx/WeightT...iciencies.html

Let me know what else you find out! I will do the same.

[Esteban]

Chris: thanks for the link; I'll check it out.

I'm not sure whether the following books cover the topics we are interested in.

Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription
http://www.humankinetics.com/product...sbn=0736062254

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
http://www.acsm.org/publications/books.htm

Have you seen the description of the NASM course? Looks promising, doesn't it?

I will keep you informed as well.

[Esteban]

This site is mentioned in the "Athletic Body in Balance" book.

http://www.functionalmovement.com

"What is the Functional Movement Screen?

The FMS is a simple tool that is comprised of seven test which categorize and rank functional movement patterns. Theses movement patterns are specific to human growth and development and are extremely important in athletics because they are fundamental to complex activities. This screen attempts to pinpoint a weak area in these movement patterns which will then allow for improved exercise prescription and performance. This can be the first line of defense in injury prevention. [...]"

[Esteban]

Alwyn Cosgrove has produced a "Assessment/Bodyweight Training DVD set"

http://www.alwyncosgrove.com/Store1.html

An excerpt of the description of the product:

* Alwyns “marching assessment:” unlike anything you've ever seen, this proprietary test pinpoints with laser accuracy your functional weaknesses...More details on the DVD.

* Why your FMS score will determine your chance of becoming injured in the gym. Do you know yours?

[Chris Correia]

Keep 'em coming. I don't have the time to research right now. After you buy them and use them all you can do reviews!

[Esteban]

Flexitest - An Innovative Flexibility Assessment Method

http://www.humankinetics.com/product...sbn=0736034021

"Flexitest: An Innovative Flexibility Assessment Method introduces Flexitest, a simple, easy-to-learn grading system that simultaneously measures and evaluates the flexibility of 20 different individual joint movements. Now you will be able to really evaluate, rather than just measure, flexibility for individuals of all age groups and physical activity levels."

[Esteban]

Assessing Core Function (DVD)

http://www.chekinstitute.com/product...t=445&corr=yes

Using Assessing Core Function you will:

* Learn how to assess:
- Cervical flexion activation
- Transversus abdominis function
- Lumbo-pelvic stabilization mechanism
- Oblique muscle balance
- Lower abdominal strength and coordination
- Gross lumbar abdominal strength and stabilization
- Upper abdominal strength
- Lumbar curve
* Learn how to perform deep abdominal wall exercises
* Learn proper activation of the thoraco-lumbar fascia system for total body stabilization
* Understand the importance of testing core function

[Esteban]

Movement Skill Assessment

http://www.humankinetics.com/product...sbn=0873229754

"This unique text focuses exclusively on the assessment of movement skills, offering background information, discussions of six levels of movement skill assessment, and strategies for implementation. Practical and user-friendly, Movement Skill Assessment helps readers acquire the skills they need to successfully carry out their assessment responsibilities.

Filled with information on more than 150 tests and including more than 650 references, the book emphasizes a top-down, functional approach to the assessment of movement skills. [...]"

[Esteban]

NASM's Kinetic Chain Assessment Manual & Video Set

http://www.performbetter.com/detail....tegoryID_E_394

"Systematic approach to assessing posture, flexibility, strength, balance and function. Includes more than 15 easy-to-use assessment techniques."

I believe it's part of the CE course that I mentioned in the post that started this thread.

[Esteban]

Corrective Exercises for Powerful Change

http://www.anthonycareyinc.com/catal...318/657643.htm

"The unique and powerful corrective exercises in this video can provide a foundation for positive changes in the motor learning process. A primary goal of these corrective exercises is to help your client, athlete or patient better recruit targeted muscle groups for more dynamic exercises and improve postural alignment. Bypassing this critical step, allows for dysfunction and compensation to develop.

These corrective exercises can be used with your client, athlete or patient to assist them in recruiting the muscles you want them to use. By doing this, you are able to decrease compensations and help establish more appropriate motor programs. The body does this by learning or re-learning functional movements. These exercises should then be used in conjunction with the appropriate functional strengthening and flexibility progressions."

[Esteban]

Related to this, NASM's customer service confirmed to me a few months ago (June, 2005) that a Corrective Exercise Specialist course and certification is being prepared by that institution, and that it will be made available to the public in early 2006. I found about the CES certification while reading about the Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion program that is advertised in NASM's site (http://www.nasm.org)

[Esteban]

Reebok University offers the following programs to Personal Trainers:

* REEBOK CORE TRAINING FOR PERSONAL TRAINERS

* REEBOK 5 POINT MOVEMENT SCREEN

* REEBOK ONE-TO-ONE FLEXIBILITY TRAINING

http://www.fitnesspresenters.com/programs.htm

[Brian A.]

Bump to http://functionalmovement.com/

I've attended several of Gray Cook's lectures and I also have his book and video series on functional screening. Great stuff!!