When considering the physically active job demands of industrial workers, the application of Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) concepts can enhance an industrial athlete’s performance from an occupational health and injury prevention standpoint.
Anyone can be taught to utilize RPR techniques, and it can be implemented into any routine or lifestyle. At Industry Health Solutions (IHS), we are always seeking ways to innovate, improve and assist with implementing injury preventions programs. As stretching program utilization increases, the opportunity to include RPR techniques is something being explored. RPR intervention is most beneficial when utilized in a pre–existing physical activity and self-care routine. The goal with RPR is not to treat existing injuries, but to optimize the neuromuscular system and movement patterns, which assists in developing better tolerance to workplace exposures.
Understanding Reflexive Performance Reset
The goal is to optimize the neuro aspect of the neuromuscular system. Think about the nervous system like the electricity in your house, RPR shows you where the light switches are. The electrical system requires fixtures and light bulbs, where the nervous system needs connective tissue and fascia, as well as the musculoskeletal system to fully function.
Level 1 Techniques:
Anyone can be educated and empowered to begin incorporating RPR on their own immediately.
- Breathing: Proper diaphragmatic breathing can reduce sympathetic tone and lower heart rate relative to work rate. The breathing technique is done with the hands on the sides, below the bottom ribs, and above the iliac crests. The individual should inhale through the nose and bring air into the belly. At least a few breaths should be done before moving onto Zone 1 resets.
- Zone 1 Resets: Include diaphragm, psoas, and glutes and are aimed at necessary primordial functions, such breathing and hip movement.
- Zone 2 Resets: Branches out to other primer movers and includes hamstrings, quads, lateral sling, and abdominals.
- Zone 3 Resets: Involves more ancillary muscle groups and includes calves, neck, lats, a specific reset for rotator cuff, and a general one for shoulder.
Level 2 RPR:
Level 2 RPR dives primarily into primary neuromuscular compensation patterns or PNCP’s, such as jaw driver, tib driver, and arm driver. Each of these involves nervous stimulus through the respective areas being used to drive hip flexion and extension. A combination of 2 of the 3 or even all 3 can be present, resulting in widespread compensation.
- Jaw Driver: Overactive facial muscles and jaw clenching, common in contact sports.
- Tib Driver: Overactive tibial and calf muscles, often seen in soccer players.
- Arm Driver: Overactive thenar and forearm muscles, often present in industrial workers.
After establishing PNCP resents, zone 1 should be done to ingrain the optimized pattern. The human body has a proclivity for reverting to the pattern that is most comfortable. Resetting zone 1 will help solidify the more optimal pattern.
How Does RPR Improve Ability to Work?
As stated previously, RPR helps to increase neuromuscular control and increase the ability to utilize muscle systems synergistically. By increasing synergy, lifting tasks become less taxing on the body as muscles work together to lift loads more efficiently. Repetitive tasks become less prone to creating chronic injuries by improving movement patterns and decreasing overuse of smaller support muscles. Long term improvement will be seen as technique issues become easier to correct and muscle imbalances decrease. Injury Prevention Specialist at IHS have seen benefits in reducing work related discomfort in early interventions programs before the onset of an injury or illness, which allows workers to return to their work and personal lives without issue. But with all programs, sustainability is key. To sustain programs IHS Injury Prevention Specialist works with our partners to continue educating and providing individualized attention to team members while providing objective data to evaluate the health of the program.
Implementing RPR in Industrial Settings
The RPR provides a method to assess through a different lens. It allows the full movement system to be considered along with other interventions, such as adjustments to workstations and technique. RPR offers significant benefits to industrial athletes by optimizing the neuromuscular system, reducing discomforts from repetitive work movements, and improving overall performance and health.
0 Comments