Have you heard of bird dogs or quadruped diagonals? Have you ever tried to it with the same arm and leg out at the same time? Do you want to learn how to master the rotary stability test? In the FMS we challenge rotary stability by doing the movement with the same arm and same leg out. The purpose for this is to observe multi-plane pelvis, core and shoulder girdle stability while doing upper and lower extremity movement simultaneously. This pattern is the last movement screened in the FMS due to the complexity of the movement. It requires
energy transfer through the torso and proper neuromuscular coordination.
Here’s a video on the rotary stability test.
Implications of a low Rotary Stability Score
- Poor performance due to compromised scapular and hip stability
- Limited performance during this test is attributed to poor reflex stabilization of the trunk and core
- A poor test score or the inability to perform the complete pattern is due to limited knee, hip, spine and shoulder mobility
What is the Clearing Test?
During your Functi
onal Movement Screen you’ll perform a flexion clearing test. Your clearing test is a + when there is pain and a – when no pain is produced. When the clearing test is + the entire rotary stability test is given a score of 0 and we recommend you see our doctor.
FMS Algorithm
FMS has designed an algorithm to make it easier to identify the weak links. It also helps the provider know where to start when it comes to corrective exercises. Their algorithm starts with the tests that deal with mobility first because stability/motor control cannot be present with reduced mobility. Rotary stability is the third test in the algorithm. When there is a weak link in rotary stability we stop there. We start corrective exercises to improve this critical movement as long as active straight leg raise and shoulder mobility are clear.
Mobility first, Static Motor Control second, and Dynamic Motor Control third
Similar to the FMS Algorithm, we believe there is an ideal sequence to perfecting and correcting movement patterns. It all begins with optimal mobility. The reason is quality stability is driven by quality proprioception and is not possible with limited mobility. Once you have good mobility, you’ll start to train stability and motor control. You start with static stability and motor control first. This is based on proper coordination and reflexes not ‘strength’. Once you gain static stability, you will progress to dynamic stability and motor control. In this video, Brandon Hetzler an FMS instructor with Functional Movement Systems, discusses the neuro-developmental sequence along with the movement principles of mobility before stability and simple before complex.
Corrective Exercises to Master the Rotary Stability Test
Examples of corrective exercises that you may be prescribed if rotary stability movement pattern needs to be corrected:
Mobility
- Breathing – 90/90 Breathing
- Soft tissue work
- T-Spine Rotation with Rib Grab
Static Motor Control
Dynamic Motor Control
How Does this Apply to Real Life?
Did you crawl as a baby? If not, this might be the reason for a poor rotary stability score. The people at Functional Movement Systems believe that our movement now is based on how
we moved as a baby. When we give corrective exercises we go back to the basic movements of crawling to retrain the movement pattern. According to another chiropractor, Justin Klein, crawling is the new plank. Next time you’re around a baby watch how they crawl and roll over. Then give crawling or bird dogs a try. You just might notice how complex the movement is due to poor mobility and stability as well as strength.
Schedule your Functional Movement Screen today!
Please call the office at 970-712-6059 to schedule your Functional Movement Screen with either Dr. Christianson or Alyssa.