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. 2008 Aug;3(3):151-9.

The chop and lift reconsidered: integrating neuromuscular principles into orthopedic and sports rehabilitation

Michael L Voight, Barbara J Hoogenboom, Gray Cook

The chop and lift reconsidered: integrating neuromuscular principles into orthopedic and sports rehabilitation

Michael L Voight et al. N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2008 Aug.

Abstract

The upper extremity bilateral PNF patterns, better known as the "chop and lift" are well known to physical therapists. These patterns which utilize spiral and diagonal motions of the upper extremity can be used for both assessment and treatment of sports and orthopedic injuries. Half kneeling and tall kneeling postures fall between low-level postures such as rolling and 4-point, and high-level postures of standing and walking. Half kneeling and tall kneeling can be considered transitional postures. When the chop and lift patterns are used in conjunction with the half and tall kneeling developmental postures, the techniques are an excellent assessment of core stability/instability. Combinations of the upper extremity patterns and the developmental postures can be powerful corrective training techniques. The combined experience of the three authors is used to describe techniques for equipment setup, testing, assessment, and treatment of athletic imbalances. These techniques require and promote instantaneous local muscular activity as developmental postures and balance reactions are incorporated. The therapeutic use of both PNF and developmental patterns has been a hallmark of rehabilitation of patients with neurologic dysfunction, but can be equally and effectively applied in the sports and orthopedic rehabilitation setting.

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Figures

Figure 1A and 1B.
Figure 1A and 1B.
The traditional PNF lift pattern, 1A: Start position, 1B: Finish position.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The chop pattern performed in half kneeling with tubing resistance and stick.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The chop pattern performed in tall kneeling with tubing resistance and stick.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
End position of the lift pattern performed with cable column.
Figure 5A-5B.
Figure 5A-5B.
Half kneeling chop using tubing resistance and stick, A= start position, B= finish position.
Figure 6A-6B.
Figure 6A-6B.
Half kneeling lift using tubing resistance and stick, A= start position, B finish position.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Half kneeling chop showing the use of floor tape for consistent alignment of the lower extremities during assessment.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Alteration of the half-kneeling lift posture, showing elevation of the down knee 4-8″ to adjust line of pull of the upper extremities.
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