"The maintenance of our head position is essential to provide a stable platform for the sensory organs. Critical to this stability are the muscles found at the base of the neck. These are richly innervated with nerves that are sensitive to any changes in muscle length. When the head is displaced, it stretches these muscles and activates the sensory nerves. Their output reflexively alters the activation of muscles throughout the body and limbs. These in turn produce changes in posture that are aimed at recovering head position. When the head is pulled back to avoid a strike, or driven back as the direct result of one, this produces increased activation in the extensor muscles of the limbs. The legs push forward to prevent us from falling back. The arms drop and extend to shift the overall centre of gravity forward. Conscious or pre-programmed actions, like maintaining a guard or launching a counter punch, are largely overridden, severely reducing ones capacity to fight using any systematic structure."
-- Spread of Dr. Matthew Mills' article from the upcoming Issue #12. Like this? Then please spread the word by clicking the “Like” or "Share" link. Thanks!
