Stephen M. Apatow - Biomechanics Pioneer Redefining Orthopedics
Stephen M. Apatow, Biomechanics Specialist, Director of Research and Development for the Sports Medicine and Science Institute has expanded a specialized program for the elite dancer in Classical Ballet Training into Olympic Development Programs and at the request of the medical community, orthopedic applications that include entrapment neuropathies, scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, friedreich ataxia, multiple sclerosis and veterinary cases (canine, equine).
(PRWEB) January 24, 2005 -- Classical ballet is recognized as the most
advanced technical movement mechanics training in the world, providing a
foundation for the development of joint strength, postural alignment and
precision control of the human frame in space. As one refers to the mechanical
ideal of this development program, we are provided a reference point for the
most balanced, non stressed articular relationship(s) that provides a diagnostic
and therapeutic tool to assist the analysis of joint stress and mechanism of
injury.
The Sports Medicine and Science Institute (SMSI) is pursuing
research and development associated with the classical ballet based mechanical
ideal, with emphasis on direct applications of this science for the medical
community, allied health profession and fitness industry.
Sports
Medicine, Exercise Physiology and the Science of Classical Ballet
Training
During the early eighties, Stephen M. Apatow's career path in
sports medicine encompassed a focus on non-drug/surgically related therapeutic
approaches to the prevention and treatment of joint injuries. It was not until
his sabbatical in 1984, to pursue international competition in two sports, that
the importance of postural alignment and classical ballet training proved to be
a foundational reference point.
During the study of classical ballet, as
a student and scholar, his emphasis on myology, anthrology, osteology,
neurology, exercise physiology and biomechanics provided a unique perspective
for analysis of the first through eighth year syllabus of the Vagonova training
method. This research, accomplished through a scholarship from the Nutmeg
Conservatory for the Arts, provided the foundation for:
-- the analysis
of a joint complex (spine and extremity) by comparison to the classical ballet
mechanical ideal;
-- tools to assist with the differentiation of normal vs.
abnormal tension relations associated with postural deviations and articular
malposition, as well as the proprioceptive repercussions.
-- the development
of corrective procedures to address both hypertonicity and hypersensitivity of
affected structures on the muscle-tendon level;
-- pathways to increase joint
range of motion and flexibility to enable the execution of correct classical
ballet alignment.
In 1990, this work contributed to the development of a
specialized program for elite dancer, Cheryl Madeux, during a preparation period
for the Lausanne International Ballet Competition. This case presented the
following findings:
1. Soft tissue level restrictions, not addressed in
early developmental stages of training, resulted in articular stabilization and
compensatory changes that limited the capacity of this dancer to reach her
technical potential. When a dancer is not a product of a selection process, as
observed in Eastern Bloc development programs, specific attention must be made
to address functional limitations.
2. Articular soft tissue level
restrictions provided a door of opportunity to increase overall flexibility
(especially in the hip and shoulder complexes), even after a decade of training,
yielding an immediate increase in functional range of motion.
3. Integration
of this range of motion into classical ballet based retraining yielded a rapid
progression to the next technical level, an accomplishment not considered
attainable through the classical ballet program alone.
[Nutmeg Alumni:
Cheryl Madeux (1990) became the only American finalist at the Prix de Lausanne
and later became "Presidential Scholar" of Arts Recognition & Talent Search.
Miss Madeux later joined the Joffrey Ballet and has been principal ballerina for
the Hartford Ballet. She now dances with American Ballet Theatre.]
The
Madeux case served as a starting point for the integration of this work into all
levels of the international program at Nutmeg Ballet. In the early 90's, this
work was expanded into applications for athletes in Olympic and sports
development programs, and at the request of the medical community, orthopedic
applications that included entrapment neuropathies, asthma, fibromyalgia,
Friedreich Ataxia, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, and
veterinary cases (canine, equine).
The continuing education course
“Optimization of Classical Ballet and Sports Development Programs” (www.esportsmedicine.org/healthpromotion.html) was first
introduced in 1999 at the National Conference for the Society of State Directors
of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (SSDHPER - 73rd Annual Meeting
Program) for U.S. Board of Education offices and health educators representing
all 50 states. This course was formally presented as an International Sports
Science Association (ISSA) accredited course at the 11 state American Alliance
for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Combined
Convention on February 12, 2003 in Reno-Sparks, Nevada.
SMSI is in the
process of developing a Biomechanics Specialist Certification. This program
would encompass certification levels ranging from a Level I program for physical
therapists, exercise physiologists and fitness professionals to Level II program
for medical professionals (Physicians: D.C., D.O., M.D.). A Level II
certification course would also be developed for veterinary
medicine.
Testimonials:
"I can only say that Mr. Apatow's
technique seemed to work in this case (C5,6 entrapment neuropathy) more
efficiently than any other method tried, including both medicinal and physical
therapy." Richard E. Kaufman, M.D., P.C., Yale Medical School.
"As a 52
year old sufferer of various severe sports related injuries for most of my adult
life. i.e. back, neck, shoulder, etc. I have been treated by neurologists,
orthopedics, psychotherapists, and chiropractors using most forms of
conventional therapy and medicinal procedures. From this experience, I can state
that Steve Apatow's special treatment of joint injuries has proven the most
effective procedure, from both a short-term and long-term standpoint." Richard
Norris, Research and Development Engineer - opened discussion at MIT for the
development of a CAD analysis system that could be used with Cat Scan or MRI.
"This type of training will be a major thing of the future." Sharon
Dante, Nutmeg Ballet Company (Gold medalist coach, 1984 International Ballet
Competition, New York City).
Related educational initiatives
include:
Performance Optimization: Progressing to the Next Level in
Classical Ballet and Olympic Development Programs: The specialized program that
enhanced the ability of the elite classical ballet dancer to progress from 2-3
to 7-8 turns on pointe, increase flexibility, alignment, control and integration
into technical fundamentals in a one month time period, is now available for all
dance, sports and Olympic development programs. Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/optimization.html
Biomechanics:
Reaching the Next Level in Classical Ballet and Olympic Development Programs.
Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/news/122004/1204001.html
Dressage
Today: Ask The Expert (April 2000): Workshops on the topic of rider biomechanics
is offered to clubs and equestrian facilities throughout the United States. Url:
www.esportsmedicine.org/equestrian/dt42000.html
Developmental
Optimization of Candidates Preparing for Service in the United States Marine
Corps - A Model for Armed Forces Development. Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/mil/dev_usmc.html
2005 Arts and
Olympic Development Scholarships. Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/scholarships.html
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb200862.htm