User Manual

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2.
Incorrect Posture
1.
Correct Posture
Research & Articles
Pelvic Stability...A Question of Balance
By Louis Stack, Canadian National Speed Skiing Team 1992-1995
Since developing the Pro Fitter over thirty years ago, I have observed
tens of thousands of people using it at consumer and medical
conferences around the world. Over the years I have been surprised
to observe that approximately one in five people who step onto the
Pro Fitter have a problem with muscle imbalance in the trunk, hip
and lower back areas.
“1 in 5...have a problem with muscle imbalance
in the trunk, hip and lower back areas.”
Often, these individuals display a lateral weight shift that involves
significant rotation in the lower back and pelvic region. From
conversations with them, I have learned that the majority of them
have previously experienced some level of trauma to the ankle, knee
or hip on the involved side. It has been my observation that this pelvis
rotation generally stems from a muscular adjustment made in the
trunk region to accommodate the non-weight bearing phase following
a lower extremity injury.
The goal of this article is to outline some methods of using the Pro
Fitter to help identify and possibly correct this situation, especially
in cases where the knee and ankle are normal.
After my own experiences of rehab from knee and foot surgery (1979, 1983) and as a
member of the Canadian National Skiing Team (1992), I personally know that pelvic muscular
imbalance can lead to improper weight shift when turning on skis. For most skiers this rotation
increases the difficulty in turning because they tend to rotate toward and lean back on the tail
end of the edging ski. This stance decreases gluteus medius activity, placing more emphasis
on hip flexor activity. It also requires a contraction of the lower back muscles on the opposite
side to balance movement. Many skiers complain of a weak turning side and of lower back pain.
I believe that pelvic rotation and muscular imbalance may be part of the problem.
After observing thousands of Pro Fitter users, it is clear that the majority of people who display
pelvic rotation have experienced a previous trauma to the lower extremity on the involved side.
Secondly, any of the subjects who report that they have experienced regional pain the lower
back on the opposite side. There is ongoing evidence that suggests that the Pro Fitter helps
train the trunk and hip girdle muscles to participate in proper stabilization while exercising the
lower extremities. With a focus on muscular balance and strength using the Pro Fitter may help
achieve improved pelvic posture while decreasing the frequency of regional pain syndromes.