Neuromuscular problems require neuromuscular correction

Neuromuscular problems require neuromuscular correction.

This type of adage comes from my clinical days as a manual physical therapist. My mentor would say "Syndromes that arise from mechanical dysfunction require mechanical correction". Specifically, if a joint is stuck and not moving correctly, there's no amount of medicine that is going to change the mechanical dysfunction of the joint. The joint would require a mechanical solution in the form of a mobilization to restore proper mobility.

The same is true in cycling. The biomechanics of a proper bike fit improve the potential of the neuromuscular system. That's why I typically see a 7-10 point improvement in a clients spinscan after being fit properly. However, if a client presents with a inefficiency of neuromuscular origin, there's no amount of tweaking bike fit that is going to solve the problem. Proper bike fit becomes a the foundation for the solution because it establishes the proper environment for neuromuscular control.

What is the solution? Training in proper techniques. Depending on the client, this may be simple or very difficult. It all depends on the patients ability to control their body in space. This is their proprioceptive and kinesthetic sense. Where is their body in space, how fast is it moving, in what direction, with what intensity? The body has millions of tiny sensors that report information back to the brain so that movement plans can be created. Michael Jordan had fantastic sense for where he was in space at all times.

As I said earlier, the approach is dependent on the client. I prefer to bombard the body with visual, auditory and tactile information that helps the brain begin to create the correct movement pattern that would be most efficient when pedaling a bike. Someone with good position sense, can listen to instructions and make the appropriate change. Others require much more sensory input and time.

Our brain has a fantastic ability to change. It's called plasticity. Under normal conditions, it never stops optimizing as long as it is continually bombarded with corrective sensory information. That make this coaching thing a blast.