Rhythm and Timing 04:15
Rhythm can be defined as any regular, recurring motion and Timing is the ability to execute a motion at the desired moment. In regards to movement, Rhythm and Timing is the ability to maintain congruent joint space during motion in a smooth or fluid-like fashion. This means firing the right muscles at the right time, as well as relaxing the right muscles at the right time, allowing for instantaneous mobility and stability of our joints. It is through this process the nervous system learns how to harmonize our motion for efficiency, an important mechanism for sustaining joint health.
Aberrant movement with poor Rhythm and Timing would mean an inability to sustain congruent joint space during a motion, resulting in movement that looks "clunky", "spastic", or "rigid". Too little or too much stability/control over a motion may lead to poor rhythm and timing. Do you remember when you first learned how to throw a ball, ski down a mountain or learn how to dance? This is typical when we're learning a new motion OR if the movement is too advanced (moving with excessive load, speed, range of motion, complexity, etc).
When learning a ViPR PRO® exercise, Rhythm and Timing is expected to be less than ideal. Good coaching is about helping the individual find good Rhythm and Timing by creating an environment that allows the user to make small, yet safe mistakes. It is through these mistakes a user learns the proper execution of a given movement.
Key Take Home: Good motion with ViPR PRO® looks fluid or smooth, with little to no "hiccups" during the motion as a person transitions through various positions and planes of motion. Our main objective when executing a ViPR PRO® exercise is to find good Rhythm and Timing.
We'll explore how to coach good rhythm and timing in Chapter 5.
Relevant Research:
Rhythm and Motor Learning
A little Neuroscience behind motor learning and rhythm and timing