Seeking Symmetry | Is Balanced Movement Possible?

Summary

Dr. Emily Spokely, a podiatrist and human movement specialist, discusses the importance of symmetry and asymmetry in movement and gait during a webinar. She explores the concept of limb dominance in sports and daily activities, the impact of asymmetry on injury risk and performance, and strategies to improve movement perception and balance. The webinar also introduces Naboso products designed to enhance sensory perception and promote more efficient and balanced movement patterns.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Emily Spokely, a podiatrist and human movement specialist, is the founder of NaboSo and EBFA Global, focusing on barefoot science and sensory stimulation.
• 📚 She authored 'Barefoot Strong', available on Amazon and through NaboSo, emphasizing the importance of symmetry in movement and sensory perception for balanced gait.
• 🧠 The concept of symmetry is complex; while humans are not perfectly symmetrical, both too little and too much asymmetry can be problematic for movement efficiency and injury risk.
• 🤷‍♀️ Human symmetry or lack thereof starts developing in utero, with handedness and footedness preferences becoming more defined postnatally, influenced by genetics and environment.
• 🏃‍♂️ In sports and daily movements, limb dominance is common and often energy efficient, but excessive dominance can lead to imbalances and potential injuries.
• 🚴‍♀️ Research shows that in activities like cycling, there's an average 8-10% asymmetry in pedal torque, which can be reduced with increased workload, suggesting adaptability in movement patterns.
• 👣 NaboSo products, such as sensory sticks and insoles, aim to enhance proprioceptive awareness and help improve movement symmetry by stimulating the nervous system.
• 👟 NaboSo has launched recovery socks with a pyramid pattern for texture and compression, designed to improve circulation and foot health, especially beneficial post-workout.
• 🤔 The webinar highlighted the importance of perception in movement, suggesting that being aware of one's movement asymmetry is the first step towards achieving balanced movement.
• 💡 Strategies to improve gait symmetry include training the non-dominant limb, using tools like weights or kinesiology tape to enhance proprioception, and considering the role of mental imagery in muscle activation.
• 🔍 Dr. Spokely encourages professionals to assess their clients' kinesthetic and proprioceptive awareness as a foundation for addressing movement asymmetries and promoting balance.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the webinar presented by Dr. Emily Spoken?

The main topic of the webinar is the exploration of symmetry in movement, gait, and sensory perception, and how these factors can potentially help find balanced movement.

What is Dr. Spoken's professional background according to the script?

Dr. Spoken is a podiatrist, human movement specialist, and the founder of Naboso. She is also the CEO of EBFA Global, an education company based on barefoot science and sensory stimulation, and the author of 'Barefoot Strong'.

What is the significance of symmetry in human aesthetics as mentioned in the script?

In human aesthetics, symmetry is often associated with beauty. People with more symmetrical faces are perceived as more attractive, which is based on the idea that balance and proportion are pleasing to the eye.

How does limb dominance develop, and what percentage of the population exhibits a right-hand preference?

Limb dominance, including handedness and footedness, develops postnatally and can have a genetic contributing factor of 10 to 20 percent. Environmental factors also play a significant role. Approximately 90% of people exhibit a well-defined right-hand preference.

What is the average difference in power output between the dominant and non-dominant limbs during a bilateral movement like a squat?

The research indicates an average difference of 15% in power output between the dominant and non-dominant limbs during bilateral movements such as a squat.

How does cycling compare to other symmetrical movement patterns in terms of asymmetry?

Cycling shows less asymmetry compared to a bilateral squat, with an average asymmetry in pedal torque ranging between 8 to 10 percent. This suggests that cycling might be a more symmetrical movement pattern than activities like squatting.

What is the relationship between running foot asymmetry and ground reaction forces?

Running foot asymmetry, particularly when there are lateral differences in ground reaction forces greater than 5% between limbs, can lead to an increased load over the tibia and potentially a higher risk of stress fractures.

How can training the non-dominant limb potentially benefit athletes, especially in sports like soccer?

Training the non-dominant limb can create a more balanced limb preference, which can be beneficial for athletes in sports like soccer. It can reduce the risk of injury and performance decline in case the dominant limb is compromised during a game.

What is the 'Goldilocks' approach to symmetry and asymmetry in movement, as described by Dr. Spoken?

The 'Goldilocks' approach to symmetry and asymmetry in movement suggests finding a balance where there is not too much asymmetry, which could lead to injury or inefficiency, nor too little, which might negate the energy efficiency benefits of having a dominant limb. The goal is to find just the right amount of asymmetry for optimal movement.

How can the Naboso products, such as the sensory socks, help improve movement symmetry and perception?

Naboso products, including sensory socks, aim to enhance movement perception by providing tactile stimulation and compression. This can help individuals become more aware of their movement patterns, potentially leading to improved symmetry and reduced asymmetry in their movements.