March / April / May 2023 | Akwa | 9 The Burdenko Method is a set of principles to guide aquatic and land exercise from rehabilitation to conditioning, and all the way through to training. By applying the main ten- ants, building upon the six essential qualities of movement, the Burdenko method is a progressive program that can be applied to a variety of patients and fitness clients at all levels. The six essential qualities of movement are organized in a pyramid fashion with each building on the ones before. Balance is at the basae of the pyramid. It plays such an essential role in our daily function that we tend to take it for granted. It is not just the ability to stand on one leg, it is also alignment and posture. Without a stable base we cannot maximize the other qualities, therefore exercises to promote balance, equilibrium, and stability are introduced first. Coordination is sequenced muscle firing. Pain, injury, daily habits, and the nervous system influence these sequenced patterns. Coordination involves using the correct muscles at the correct time, which often must be re-learned. With injury and pain, the small local muscles are inhibited; even without injury we can develop poor movement patterns and compen- sations that lead to injury. Adding components to improve coordination is the focus of exercise on this second level. Flexibility is the overall range of motion of the joints in the body. Without basic core stability and correct muscle firing patterns (aka balance and coordination in the Burdenko method), the extremities cannot move to their fullest capac- ity. This third level integrates greater ranges of movements while still maintaining balance and coordination. Endurance is introduced once basic movement patterns have been restored. Endurance is the ability to work over prolonged periods efficiently. Level four is where repetition increases for specific muscles and overall body stamina. Speed includes conditioning reflexes and reaction time. This level’s focus is transitioning from cognitive to automatic activation of deep stabilizing muscles. Due to drag forces, increasing speed in the water automatically begins the tran- sition into strengthening components. Strength is important in sport, work, and ADLs and specific to your patient or client. Strength is the top of the pyramid because without developing the initial five qualities, optimal strength cannot be achieved. These levels are on a continuum and overlap in rehab and fitness. The progression begins with suspended/deep-water exercise and progresses to adding shallow water and land- based exercise with functioning on land as the goal. All exer- cises follow set principles enhancing motor learning and neurological cross training such as varying speed, moving in all directions, and adjusting load. In addition, breathing and The Burdenko Method By Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS connecting the clients’ mind to their movements is empha- sized. With understanding of the principles of this whole- body approach, the Burdenko Method can be applied to individuals of all abilities. Exercise Example for Balance, Coordination and Flexibility. Seated Barbell Active Ham- string Stretch with Opposite Arm Reach – Sit on foam bar- bell or noodle; maintain pelvic alignment while extending left leg and reaching right arm for- ward. Repeat on the other side. RESOURCES Email [email protected] for a listing of article resources. AUTHOR Beth Scalone is one of AEA’s amazing IAFTC 2023 Presenters. Click here to find out more about Beth and the sessions she is offering. GET OFF Use the code on checkout NEK10 $10 www.nekdoodle.com
