Human movement is like a symphony in which the brain, muscles, and joints perfectly harmonize. It’s complex because it blends physics, physiology, and emotion into every step, jump, or serve. Yet, it’s essential because it’s how we interact with the world, express ourselves, and stay resilient.
Movement can paint a vivid picture… if you allow it the opportunity.
“We have a brain for one reason and one reason only — and that’s to produce adaptable and complex movements.”
Daniel Wolpert, PhD Professor of Neuroscience, University of Columbia Principal Investigator at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute
The 4 Elements of Human Movement
Created by the brilliant team at Arcadia University (reference below)
Motion
“The ability of a joint or tissue to be moved passively.”
“The ability to perform sustained or repeated movements and is dependent on the integrated functioning of different systems.”
Cardiovascular System Pulmonary System Neuromuscular System
Contextual Factors
“Environment and personal factors can influence all aspects of the movement system in various ways.”
Social determinants of health: Personal Factors, Health Care Access, Environmental Factors, Community Support, Economic Stability
How is this used in the context of movement?
What to Look for
1. Movement Task Selection
Everything starts with the task that is selected to observe. The context of movement depends on what you’re looking for: – novel or familiar – simple or complex – pre-planned or reactive
2. Movement Observation (CASSS)
Control: The coordination and timing of a movement **Did each joint move at the appropriate time and in a smooth, coordinated way?
Amount The amplitude of movement at each joint ** Did one joint move too much, whereas another moved too little?
Speed The speed of the movement **Was velocity controlled appropriately with normal acceleration and deceleration during the task?
Symmetry The symmetry of the body moving through a task **Is there a difference side to side?
Symptoms Sometimes pain, but may also be things like clicking, dyspnea, fatigue, a sense of instability, or urinary incontinence with coughing **Is this person experiencing any abnormal sensations before, during, or immediately after the movement?
3. Element Hypotheses > Further Investigation > Hypothesis Revision > Action
Motion – limited motion? Force – inadequate force? Motor Control – motor control impairment? Energy – endurance deficit? Contextual Factors – barriers with social determinants of health?
Reach out to connect with Daniel to discuss the movement of interest and how to acquire a good video for analysis. Then, send Daniel the video via email. Finally, discuss a time to schedule with Daniel to review the findings and questions about the movement of interest.
