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The 4x4 Matrix

This document provides guidance on addressing stability and motor control dysfunction through progressive postures, loads, and reflex activation. It discusses how motor control can be unpredictable when pain is present. Exercises are categorized into fundamental, transitional, and functional postures. The 4x4 matrix is introduced as a tool to progress exercises through increasing loads and decreasing assistance. Several examples are provided to demonstrate exercises targeting the cervical spine, weight-bearing hips and spine, and straight leg raise.

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pfi_jen
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1K views23 pages

The 4x4 Matrix

This document provides guidance on addressing stability and motor control dysfunction through progressive postures, loads, and reflex activation. It discusses how motor control can be unpredictable when pain is present. Exercises are categorized into fundamental, transitional, and functional postures. The 4x4 matrix is introduced as a tool to progress exercises through increasing loads and decreasing assistance. Several examples are provided to demonstrate exercises targeting the cervical spine, weight-bearing hips and spine, and straight leg raise.

Uploaded by

pfi_jen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The 4x4 Matrix

Your guide to addressing Stability/Motor Control


Dysfunction through progressive postures, loads, and
reflex activation.
Functional Movement Systems
Motor control is unpredictable when pain
is on board
Muscles inhibited or delayed Hodges TA
studies
Motor control was unpredictable and may be
task specific Kiesel et al, Experimentally
induced pain alters the EMG activity of the
lumbar multifidus in asymptomatic subjects.
Manual Therapy 2012.

Pain and Motor Control


SFMA breakouts lead to:
Mobility Dysfunction (Joint Mobility and/or
Tissue Extensibility)
Manual Therapy, ROM, Stretching, PNF, etc.
Stability/Motor Control Dysfunction
Mobility is adequate in the pattern (unloaded)
Stability/Motor control lacking
Follow the 4x4 matrix

Mobility or Stability/Motor Control


Dysfunction?
Multi-Segmental Flexion Pattern
Unable to perform the toe touch pattern in
standing but is able to in sitting
Unable to perform an Active Straight Leg Raise
to 70 degrees, but passively is able to achieve
80+ degrees.

Stability/Motor Control Example


Fundamental
Prone/Supine
Transitional
Quadruped, Tall or Half Kneeling
Functional
Standing symmetrical, asymmetrical, or
single leg stance

Postures for Stability/Motor


Control Exercises
RNT feeds the mistake with
proprioceptive input
Reflex correction is the ultimate goal
Considered Assistance

The role of RNT


4x4 Matrix
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Progression
Example 1: the Bird Dog
Example 2: Half Kneeling
Prone Cervical Retraction (Capital Ext.) +
Extension (1:1 or 1:2 need activation?)
Prone Elbows (1:1 or 1:2)

SFMA Example Cervical


Extension
Quadruped (2:1)
or Tall Kneeling to Standing

SFMA Cervical Extension


continued
Rolling Patterns

SFMA-Weight Bearing Hip/Spine


Stability/Motor Control
Dysfunction
Quadruped Bird Dog

SFMA Weight Bearing Hip/Spine


SMCD
Tall and Kneeling Options

SFMA Weight Bearing Hip/Spine


SMCD
Bilateral Stance Toe Touch Progression
(4:1)

SFMA Weight Bearing Hip/Spine


SMCD
Asymmetrical Stance - Split Stance Lift
(4:4)

SFMA Weight Bearing Hip/Spine


SMCD
Single Leg Stance with Core Activation
(4:1)

SFMA Weight Bearing Hip/Spine


SMCD
Rolling Patterns
Supported leg lowering (1:1) to
unsupported leg lowering (1:2)

FMS Example : Active Straight Leg


Raise
Check quadruped (bird dog) if needing
rotary work especially
Half Kneeling Stance to Chops/Lifts
Split Stance to Split Stance Chops/Lifts

FMS Example: Active Straight Leg


Raise
SL Reach w/core activation or RNT
SL DL w/RNT to progressing to no assist

FMS Example: Active Straight Leg


Raise
THANK YOU!

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