The Effects of a Novel Quadrupedal Movement Training Program on Functional Movement, Range of Motion, Muscular Strength, and Endurance

Abstract

Buxton, JD, Prins, PJ, Miller, MG, Moreno, A, Welton, GL, Atwell, AD, Talampas, TR, and Elsey, GE. The effects of a novel quadrupedal movement training program on functional movement, range of motion, muscular strength, and endurance. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2186–2193, 2022—Quadrupedal movement training (QMT) is a form of bodyweight training incorporating animal poses, transitions, and crawling patterns to reportedly improve fitness. This type of training may improve multiple facets of fitness, unfortunately, little evidence exists to support commercial claims and guide practitioners in the best use of QMT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a commercially available QMT program on functional movement, dynamic balance, range of motion, and upper body strength and endurance. Forty-two active college-age (19.76 ± 2.10 years) subjects (males = 19, females = 23) were randomly assigned to a QMT (n = 21) or control (CON) (n = 21) group for 8 weeks. Quadrupedal movement training consisted of 60-minute classes performed 2×·wk−1 in addition to regular physical activity. Active range of motion, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance Test (YBT), handgrip strength, and push-up endurance were assessed before and after the intervention. The QMT group showed significantly greater improvements than the CON group in FMS composite score (1.62 ± 1.53 vs. 0.33 ± 1.15, p = 0.004) and FMS advanced movements (0.81 ± 0.87 vs. 0.01 ± 0.71, p = 0.002) and fundamental stability (0.57 ± 0.75 vs. 0.05 ± 0.50, p = 0.011), along with hip flexion, hip lateral rotation, and shoulder extension (p < 0.05). No significant differences between groups were observed for dynamic balance or upper body strength and endurance. Our results indicate that QMT can improve FMS scores and various active joint ranges of motion. Quadrupedal movement training is a viable alternative form of training to improve whole-body stabilization and flexibility.

Experimental Study on Alleviating Sports Injury through Data Screening of Functional Motor Biological Images

“…ere are many martial arts movements, so it is necessary to organically combine dozens of movements arranged in advance, including the ups and downs of movements, the changes of direction, and the high intensity of difficulty, and complete them in accordance with the requirements within the specified time. In the process, there should be a distinct rhythm, the coordination of the hands, eyes, and body method in the external movement, and the unity of spirit, breath, and will in the internal, so as to achieve "power in static and method in motion," and pay attention to the combination of internal and external and the combination of static and static throughout the whole process [3]. e functional action test was first proposed and applied by an American orthopaedic training expert Guy Cook and physical rehabilitation trainer Lee Brown in around 1990.…”

Effects of Exercise-Based Interventions on Functional Movement Capability in Untrained Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In total, 20 studies were selected in this study, including 15 RCTs [ 8 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ] and 5 non-RCTs [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. All were published between 2016 and 2022 as peer-reviewed articles or dissertations.…”

“… Forest plot of the untrained populations’ FMS composite scores [ 8 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. …”

A comparison of the energy demands of quadrupedal movement training to walking

“…During the AF session ( Table 1 ) subjects followed along to a pre-recorded AF workout video displayed on a large flat screen monitor, consisting of the following segments described previously ( 16 ): (1) wrist mobilizations (WM), (2) core and shoulder muscle activations (ACT), (3) form stretches (FS), (4) switches and transitional movements (STs), and (5) a choregraphed flow (FLOW) (refer to SDC1 for details on purpose of each segment and movements performed in each segment). Technique was monitored for each subject and if necessary, adjustments were made throughout the session to ensure proper technique and safety.…”

“…Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research available on AF or similar QMT systems. A recent study showed that 8 weeks of QMT using the AF system resulted in significantly greater improvements in functional movement screen scores, fundamental stability, and various active joint ranges of motion ( 16 ). Additionally, research has shown greater EMG activity of core muscles, proprioception and cognitive flexibility (the ability to effectively switch focus between 2 or more tasks) ( 17 ) following training using quadrupedal crawling exercises found in AF system ( 18 , 19 ).…”