05/05/2024
Structural vs Functional Anatomy
Conventional academic preparation still focuses on studying individual muscles based on classical anatomy. This is where the confusion begins regarding what functional muscle function is. We must remember that we do not function in the anatomical position.
Functional Muscle Function is SYNERGISTIC—Structural anatomy encourages the concept of muscles being agonists and antagonists, suggesting that one muscle opposes another. In very isolated single-joint, single-plane motions, this can be true. In most functional movements, the agonist and antagonist perspectives are entirely false. A synergy is a coordinated pattern of muscle activation. These synergies are temporarily assembled (organized) and flexible (adjustable). All coordinated movements involve synergies in which all the muscles attempt to accomplish the same task (cooperating rather than competing).
Functional Muscle Function is TASK SPECIFIC – Because of our success at learning muscle anatomy, the tendency is to think of the function of any muscle as a constant: always the same. However, since it is SYNERGISTIC, muscles can (and must) adjust to the movements required during a specific task and the contributions of all the other muscles to that task. Muscles must contribute differently to the task of swimming compared to the task of walking or compared to the task of jumping. The human machine is blessed with the ability to create different synergies for different tasks using the same muscles. But, even the same task requires different synergies when the context changes.
Functional Muscle Function is CONTEXT DEPENDENT – Once the body can create a successful synergy to accomplish a task, it must adapt that synergy to different situations. In Applied Functional Science, we understand that even with a single task, the synergies created depend on the “context.” The easiest way to think of the context is to consider the environment in which the task is taking place, the initial starting position of the body, and what other external forces are at work. The synergies must take advantage of gravity and ground reaction force. Synergies must capture the momentum of the movement. Synergies must leverage the energy of elongated fascia and connective tissue. These environmental forces are constantly changing.
Applied Functional Science teaches that the chain reaction of movement and muscle function goes beyond its direct anatomical attachment. Movement is whole. Movement is a sequencing of segments within a task, a relationship to the physical forces outside of AND within the body. Movement creates varying degrees of stress. The degree depends on the starting position, the direction of motion, and vertical and horizontal displacements RELATIVE to forces.
To learn more visit www.bobfanelli.com
Bob Fanelli, MSc, FAFS
Injury Rehab and Applied Biomechanics
Fellow of Applied Functional Science
Kinesiologist
Exercise Physiologist
