Body Balance Control

Specifically related to back problems:
Diagnosis of neuromuscular imbalances and performance deficits of the spine-stabilizing musculature and the reduction of those imbalances and deficits by biofeedback-led strength and coordination training.

A neuromuscular imbalance is an asymmetry in the performance of the musculature, e.g. recognizable by right/left comparison. Particularly in the trunk such imbalances often cause a reduced resilience of the spine and are usually a cause of pain.

Neuromuscular deficits express themselves as a reduced performance of the musculature. Taking the back as an example: Since the trunk musculature is crucial for the stabilization of the spine, existing deficits cause an overload of the spine and are thus a further cause for the emergence of back problems.

Neuromuscular imbalances and deficits not only arise due to a lack of exercise, but also due to incorrect body posture, morphologic inadequacies (e.g. spine curvature) or one-sided strain at work or in sports.

1. Identification of neuromuscular imbalances and deficits

   Neuromuscular imbalances are identified by measuring the range of motion the exertion of strength and in the anatomical main planes (sagittal, frontal, transversal) and by comparing the results (left/right, front/back).

   Neuromuscular deficits are identified by measuring the exertion of strength in the anatomical main planes (sagittal, frontal, transversal) and by comparison of the results with specific reference values. Those reference values are calculated for each test person based on mathematical models using body size, weight, and sex.

2. Reduction of neuromuscular imbalances and deficits

   The reduction of imbalances and deficits takes place in accordance with the principles described in the Body Power Control concept, i.e. by generating a strain on the skeletal sensomotor function through a defined load.

   The reduction of performance deficits of the back represents a special challenge: The main problem is that the deeper lying muscles that stabilize the vertebrae cannot be activated willingly a priori. That means that common strength training programmes (devices) offer only a limited opportunity to train the deeper lying muscles.

   This problem is solved with the help of the CTT CENTAUR. This device enables a controlled deviation of the human body in the earth’s gravitational field. This deviation generates a defined load and a stimulation of the balance analyser which controls the activity of the deeper lying spine-stabilizing muscles. That way, a targeted training of the spine-stabilizing musculature becomes possible.

BfMC’s device systems offer a unique design and functionality. That means that the identification and reduction of neuromuscular imbalances and deficits is now performed with previously unknown quality, efficiency and with minimal space requirements.