When you want to do something better, you have to practice, right? So to shoot the better free throw, you go to the gym and shoot 500 of them. To throw a better curve ball, you make 100 throws. But what if this isn’t the best way to get better? There is some evidence out there that we actually learn to perform physical tasks better if we vary our practice. It turns out that doing the exact same thing over and over results in our brains not processing the mechanics of a task very deeply. If, on the other hand, we engage in variable practice, in which the task is performed with other related tasks, our brain processes at a much deeper level.  Read it here:

http://uscnews.usc.edu/science_technology/mixed_practice_makes_perfect.html

An interesting  article about self diagnosing based on information from the Internet.  http://sportsmedupdates.blogspot.com/2010/07/most-internet-based-sports-medicine.html – basically, as with most things, do not depend on the internet to always give you accurate information regarding sports injuries. There is something to be said for consulting with a professional. The internet can be a very useful tool, but you get what you pay for.

I came across this article  recently. This is a great concept which is growing around the country. If you want to promote community wellness and combat chronic issues, while also saving some healthcare dollars this approach appears to have some potential. I think more communities, doctors, gyms, rehab clinics, and hospitals need to put their heads together and work toward solving some health issues – a grass roots effort, if you will.

Lifting weights – heavy weights to build bulk and light weights to tone – that’s the conventional wisdom. Google “lifting weights bulk tone” and you will find hundreds of entries about the toning benefits of a low weight, high rep program. I’ve got a better idea – how about heavy weights and low reps for everyone? Turns out, that if you want to bulk up, you also need to eat more – much more than the typical recommended daily calories for an adult. There are studies which have shown that more weight and body fat is lost with a program in which people lift heavier weights for fewer reps than one which emphasizes light weights and high reps. Just something to think about the next time you’re running through your routine.

Kids working out with personal trainers. I have to admit, I can’t help thinking something is wrong with that – I mean, can’t a kid just go play outside or something? Then I remember, it’s not like it used to be. Without sounding too dated, when I was that age, we played outside with other kids in the neighborhood. If it was summer, your mom was lucky if she saw you between breakfast and dinner. We played sports, rode our bikes, explored the creek, all kinds of activities.  Anybody remember playing kick the can at sunset with about 25 neighborhood kids?  I do.  Nowadays, for various reasons that I really don’t want to get in to here, we don’t see that anymore.  A lot of the activity our kids get today seems to be limited to baseball practice, karate lessons, youth football, or other organized activities.  So, as long as our kids need to be supervised, directed, exercised, herded, entertained, etc, I guess a personal trainer for my 7 year old is in order.  Still strikes me as sad and maybe a little silly.  Read this: http://aahf.info/sec_news/section/Youth_articles_26.htm

It seems like we are constantly bombarded with information regarding the need to be physically fit as we age. There are many reasons, from our overall health to the huge financial burden of a population of out-of-shape baby boomers. This article   has some great stats and facts regarding the aging process and where we are headed. Then, there’s another demographic that is beginning to show some interest in better fitness – look at my next blog about that one.

Why do we run? Everybody knows there are cardiovascular and other health benefits. Most also realize that there may be some orthopedic issues associated with the stress that running puts on the body. Can you imagine having to run in bare feet instead of your comfortable, supportive sneakers? I am in no way advocating bare foot running, but this study suggests that it may actually be better for your joints. Keep in mind this is one study with a limited population, but it is an interesting concept.

Well, we took the Wii plunge at my house this Christmas. I have never been a big video game person, but I figured the kids might enjoy it. I guess I have just a little bit of a problem justifying a video basketball game when there’s a hoop out in my driveway – if you know what I mean. Anyway, given that it’s hard to play basketball with 15” of snow and 10 degree temperatures, maybe a video game is not such a bad thing – at least when the real thing is not possible. So my kids love it, and I can see the developmental benefits, crossing midline, balance, coordination and all that stuff. We have one here in our clinic, and we’re in the midst of developing a program for it. There are doctors out there who are specifically requesting “Wiihab” for their patients. I don’t think it’s going to replace standard therapy practices, but it seems like what I like to call a “very useful adjunct” to traditional therapies, especially in the older and the pediatric populations. I’ll keep you posted on any developments at our clinic and on the other side of things – any Wii injuries I may see.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE is a condition which results from repeated head trauma. It has recently been in the news associated with the deaths some former NFL football players. This article from the New York Times discusses CTE in an individual who never played in the NFL. He did however incur multiple head injuries on the amateur level. I think a lot more study needs to be done regarding this issue – and that careful attention needs paid to head injuries at the high school level.

What does all that stuff stand for? Healthcare professionals get this question all the time, regarding all those letters after their names. I think it may happen more with PTs, OTs and SLPs because we tend to spend a lot of time with our patients. I also think we secretly love to fill up our name tags with this stuff. Off the top of my head, here is a list of some titles and certifications which you may see if you have to deal with any of us – good luck:

PT – Physical Therapist
MPT – Clinical Masters of Physical Therapy
MSPT – Master of Science Physical Therapy
DPT – Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy
PTA – Physical Therapist Assistant
OT/OTR – Occupational Therapist, Registered
SLP – Speech Language Pathologist
CCC-SLP – Certificate in Clinical Competency – Speech Language Pathologist
CEAS – Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
CLT – Certified Lymphedema Therapist
CSCS – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
NSCA-CPT – National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer
PES – Performance Enhancement Specialist
CES – Corrective Exercise Specialist