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The Outer Unit

by Paul Chek

 

AUTHOR

    Paul Chek is an expert in the fields of corrective exercise and high performance conditioning and is the founder of the C.H.E.K Institute in San Diego, California. For over fifteen years he has traveled around the world lecturing, consulting and giving seminars. Paul Chek has been a consultant to the Los Angeles Chiropractic College, the Chicago Bulls, the Denver Nuggets, the US Army Boxing team, Australia's Canberra Raiders and the US Air Force Academy.

 

ABSTRACT

    The author stated that abdominal exercises can be performed in various ways and asks if the common exercises really improve the functionality of the abdominal muscles. In this article the author explains first, the anatomy of the outer unit, second, he describes the function of the four sling systems of the outer unit and, finally, he demonstrates exercises targeting one or all of the sling systems in a methodical manner.

    In the previous article titled The Inner Unit A New Frontier In Abdominal Training, we discussed the function of the transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm and pelvic floor musculature with regard to their significant functions as stabilizers of both the spine and extremities. The main message of this article was that stabilization of the core via the inner unit must always precede force generation by the core or extremities.
    The scope of this article will be, first, to explain the anatomy of the outer unit, second, to describe the function of the four sling systems of the outer unit and, finally, to demonstrate exercises targeting one or all of the sling systems in a methodical manner.


Functional Anatomy of the outer unit
    The outer unit consists primarily of phasic muscles (Table 1), although there are many muscles such as the oblique abdominals, quadratus lumborum, hamstrings and adductors which serve a dual role, acting in a tonic role as stabilizers and a phasic role as prime movers. To be technically correct, we may say that outer unit functions are predominantly phasic functions (geared toward movement).

 


    Superficial to the musculature of the inner unit are the outer unit systems, sometimes referred to as slings. The Deep Longitudinal System (DLS) is composed of the erector muscles of the spine and their investing fascia. The spinal erectors communicate with the biceps femoris through the sacrotuberous ligament of the pelvis and to the lower extremity via the peroneus longus muscle (Figure 1).

    The Posterior Oblique System (PS) or sling consists primarily of the latissimus dorsi and the contralateral gluteus maxim us (Figure 2).

 


    The Anterior Oblique System (AS) consists of a working relationship between the oblique abdominal muscles and the contralateral adductor musculature and the intervening anterior abdominal fascia (Figure 3).

    The Lateral System (LS) (Figure 4) consists of a working relationship between the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and ipsilateral adductors (1,3). Porterfield and DeRosa (3) indicate a working relationship between the gluteus medius and adductors of one leg with the opposite quadratus lumborum. The author's clinical experience strongly suggests that the oblique musculature is synergistic with the quadratus lumborum during lateral sling functions such as those seen in Figure 4.

 

THE OUTER UNIT SYSTEMS IN ACTION
The deep longitudinal and posterior systems
    To better understand how the DLS and PS function, we will explore their actions in what is certainly one of our most primal movement patterns, gait (walking). While walking, there is a consistent low level activation of the inner unit muscles to provide the necessary joint stiffness to protect the joints and support the actions of the larger outer unit muscles.         Recruitment of the inner unit muscles will fluctuate in intensity as needed to maintain adequate joint stiffness and support, as the inertial forces of limb movement, kinetic forces and intradiscal pressures increase.
    As we walk, we swing one leg and the opposite arm forward in what is termed counter rotation. Just prior to foot strike, the hamstrings become active . The DLS, uses the thoracolumbar fascia and paraspinal muscle system to transmit kinetic energy above the pelvis, while using the biceps femoris as a communicating link between the pelvis and lower extremity. For example, Vleeming shows that the biceps femoris communicates with the peroneus longus at the fibular head, transmitting approximately 18% of the contraction force of the biceps femoris through the fascial system into the peroneus longus.
    Interestingly, the anterior tibialis, like the peroneus longus, attaches to the plantar side of the proximal head of the first metatarsal. The significance of this relationship is appreciated when considering that there is recruitment of the biceps femoris and the anterior tibialis just prior to heel strike in concert with the peroneal muscles, which act as dynamic stabilizers of the lower leg and foot. Dorsiflexion of the foot and activation of the biceps femoris just prior to heel strike, therefore, serves to "wind up" the thoracolumbar fascia mechanism as a means of stabilizing the lower extremity and storing kinetic energy that will be released during the propulsive phase of gait (4).
    As you can see by observing Figure 2, just prior to heel strike the gluteus maximus reaches maximum stretch as the latissimus dorsi is being stretched by the forward swing of the opposite arm. Heel strike signifies transition into the propulsive phase of gait, at which time the gluteus maximus contraction is superimposed upon that of the hamstrings. Activation of the gluteus maximus occurs in concert with activation of the contralateral latissimus dorsi, which is now extending the arm in concert with the propelling leg. The synergistic contraction of the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi creates tension in the thoracolumbar fascia, which will be released in a pulse of energy that will assist the muscles of locomotion, reducing the metabolic cost of gait.

The anterior oblique system
    The concept of the Anterior Oblique System (AS Figure 3) appears to have become popular very recently. A review of the literature shows that spiral concept of muscle-joint action was understood as integral to human movement and corrective exercise by Robert W. Lovett, M.D. and by anatomist Raymond A. Dart in the early 1900's.
    To clarify the point that movement originates in the spine (core), Gracovetsky describes torque generation by an S-shaped spinal column. He exemplifies the point that the legs are not responsible for gait, but merely instruments of expression, by showing that a man with no legs whatsoever can walk. In both the examples of what Gracovetsky calls the spinal engine, it is evident that the kinetic and potential energies of the oblique abdominal musculature, in concert with other core muscles, are primarily responsible for creating the torque that drives the spinal engine; the oblique abdominal being best situated to create rotary torque.
    The oblique abdominals, like the adductors, serve to provide stability and mobility in gait. When looking at the EMG recordings of the oblique abdominals during gait and superimposing them upon the cycle of adductor activity in gait demonstrated by Inman, it is clear that both sets of muscles contribute to stability at the initiation of the stance phase of gait, as well as to rotating the pelvis and pulling the leg through during the swing phase of gait. As the speed of walking progresses to running, activation of the anterior oblique system becomes more prominent.
    The AS is very important, particularly in sprinting, where the limbs and torso must be accelerated. The demands on the AS are great in multi-directional sports such as tennis, soccer, football, basketball and hockey. In such sporting environments the AS must not only contribute to accelerating the body, but also to changing direction and decelerating it. One need not see an EMG study to appreciate the strong contribution of the AS; just ask anyone that has experienced an abdominal strain! Accelerating, decelerating and changing directions are all activities that result in immediate pain in the presence of both abdominal and groin strains or tears.
    AS functions can be appreciated when running in sand. Because sand gives away during the initiation of the stance and propulsive phases of gait, the impulse timing of ground reaction forces is disrupted, resulting in poor use of the thoracolumbar fascia, or what Margaria calls the smart spring system. The result is that you must muscle your way through the sand. Many athletes having performed sand sprints, will note abdominal fatigue in the following day or two after the sand sprints. This is due to the increased activation of the AS to compensate for the lost kinetic, potential and muscular energy, which is usually stored and released in part by the thoracolumbar fascia system. Gracovetsky states that wearing soft soled sporting shoes, as athletes often do today, can easily disrupt the body's timing mechanism, which could very well result in increased work and may result in injury.
    During explosive activities, such as swinging a sledge hammer (Figure 5), the AS serves critical function, stabilizing as in gait, yet assisting in propelling the hammer. Trunk flexion and rotation, as a closed chain movement atop of the lead leg, is generated by the adductors as they assist in trunk flexion and internal rotation of the pelvis and assisted by gravity. Activation of the adductors occurs in concert with activation of the ipsilateal (stance leg side) internal oblique and contralateral (throwing arm side) external oblique, pulling the trunk in the necessary direction to propel the shoulder/arm complex. The forces of the shoulder/arm unit summate with those of the legs and trunk below to produce a powerful hammer swing. Here one can clearly see the phasic functions of the AS at work.

 

The lateral system
    Porterfield and De Rosa (3) suggest that functional anatomy dictates that the lateral system provide essential frontal plane stability. While walking, the LS will be active at heel strike (initiation of stance phase), providing frontal plane stability. This is accomplished by a force-couple action between the gluteus medius and minimus pulling the iliac crest toward the stable femur while the opposite quadratus lumborum and oblique abdominal musculature assist by elevating the ilium. This action is necessary to help create the freeway space needed to swing the leg in gait, particularly when you consider the terrain we ambulated across during developmental years.
    During functional activities such as participating in Step class (Figure 4) or simply walking up stairs (Figure 6), the LS plays a critical role, stabilizing the spine in the frontal plane. Stability in the frontal plane is very important to the longevity of the lumbar spine because frontal plane motions of the lumbar and thoracic spine are mechanically coupled with transverse plane motions; excessive amounts of either will quickly aggravate spinal joints.

 


    The LS provides stability that not only protects the working spinal and hip joints, but is a necessary contributor to overall stability of the pelvis and trunk. Should the trunk become unstable, the diminished stability will compromise ones ability to generate the forces necessary to move the swing leg quickly, as required by many work and sports environments. Attempts to move the swing leg, or generate force with the stance leg during gait and other functional activities, can easily disrupt the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis and cause kinetic dysfunction in joints throughout the entire kinetic chain.
    A classic example of distal expression of LS dysfunction was illustrated by Sahrmann. She described a lateral shift of an athlete's center of gravity over the subtalar joint while going through the stance phase of gait (Trendelenburg's Sign) resulting in an inversion ankle sprain. Since attending her course in 1992, the author has found gluteus medius weakness and contralateral low back pain due to quadratus lumborum overload common among athletes exhibiting recurring ankle sprain.

THE OUTER UNIT AS A STABILIZING SYSTEM
    Although the outer unit is thought of as a phasic system, (a system for moving the body) by most, it does provide crucial stabilizer functions. We must remember that the muscles of the inner unit are relatively small, with less potential to generate force than the large outer unit muscles.
    The inner unit muscles are concerned with providing joint stiffness and segmental stability. They work for extended periods of time at low levels of maximal contraction. The outer unit muscles, while very well oriented for moving the body, are also very important to stability, often serving to protect the inner unit muscles, spinal ligaments and joints from damaging overload. For example, consider this common scenario:
    The coach instructs two football players to engage in an oblique medicine ball toss drill. One player is much bigger and stronger than the other, as the other player finds out as he attempts to catch the 8 kg. (17.5 lbs.) medicine ball traveling at him at over 60 kph (40mph)! The smaller player does not have the strength in his outer unit to decelerate the ball and is forced into end-range trunk flexion and rotation, traumatizing his lower lumbar discs, ligaments and intrinsic spinal muscles (multifidus, rotatores, intertransversarii and interspinales).
    Regardless of how well conditioned the inner unit of the smaller player may have been, lack of strength in his outer unit relative to his partner, or the demands of the task at hand resulted in inner unit overload and injury! With careful scrutiny of most activities in the work or sports environment, you will find that good eccentric strength in the outer unit systems is critical to protecting the inner unit from damage. Protection of the inner unit through proper conditioning of the outer unit is a worthy goal when one considers that optimal proprioception is dependant upon the health of the inner unit muscles and the joints they protect!

A MODERN APPROACH TO EXERCISING THE OUTER UNIT
    Now that we have taken a detailed look at the anatomy and function of the outer unit, it should be clear that modern exercise technology has taken us a long way from conditioning the outer unit systems the way they were designed to work! For example, can you see any way the following exercises condition the outer unit systems in such a way that they could provide carryover to most functional work or sport activities?
    ♦  Crunch on Floor
    ♦  Crunch Machines of all types

    ♦  Sit-up
    ♦  Hanging Leg Raises of All Types

    ♦  Bench Press
    ♦  Leg Press
    ♦  Seated Row Machines?
    I could go on, filling the page with exercises that do very little to enhance function. Many of you will no doubt recognize the above exercises as traditional bodybuilding exercises. What has happened? Only a few years back in the days of Bill Pearl, bodybuilders were building beautiful physiques with functional exercises like squats, lunges, barbell rows, cable rows, deadlifts and the like. Today, we are overrun by the machine era, the era of the aesthetic emotional hook so carefully used by the machine manufacturers to convince you that you will look better using their machines.
    Our bodies were not designed to exercise on machines, they were designed to function in the wild. We are designed for three-dimensional freedom, not two dimensional guided, unrealistic exercise that encourages muscle imbalance between those muscles used to stabilize and those used in a phasic manner for any given movement. The motor programs developed on machines are of little use to the body for anything other than pushing or pulling the levers of that very machine during that very exercise. This limits functional carryover to those that operate cranes, excavators, bulldozers, and buses for a living; they are about the only people that must apply force to levers in a seated, supported, two-dimensional environment.

OUT WITH THE NEW AND IN WITH THE OLD!
    Using your new understanding of the outer unit systems, carefully analyze such functional pushing and pulling exercises as the single arm standing cable row (Figure 7) and standing single arm cable push (Figure 8). You will see all outer unit systems being conditioned simultaneously, jU5t as they are used in most of our work and sport environments.

 


    Medicine ball exercise, like free weight training, was much more popular in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s than it is today. Great athletes of those decades used exercises such as the oblique medicine ball toss and push-pass, not to mention almost 100 other variations of medicine ball exercises.
    The Swiss Ball can be used to effectively condition the outer unit systems in three-dimensional movement while providing unloading opportunities for those recovering from injury. For example, analyze the Supine Lateral Ball Roll (Figure 9) and see if you can determine which outer unit systems are being used and categorize them in the order of demand during this exercise. This will be a great start toward a better understanding of functional exercise.

 

 

Conclusion
    The outer unit consists of four systems, the deep longitudinal, posterior oblique, anterior oblique and lateral. These systems are dependent upon the inner unit for the joint stiffness and stability necessary to create an effective force generation platform. Failure of the inner unit to work in the presence of outer unit demand often results in muscle imbalance, joint injury and poor performance. The outer unit cannot be effectively conditioned in patterns of movement that carryover to function when using modern bodybuilding machines. Effective conditioning of the outer unit should include exercises that require integrated function of the inner and outer units, using movement patterns common to any given client's work or sport environment. .

 

FROM: IAAF/NSA 1-2.00

 


Recommended Resources

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Complete Speed Training
Functional Strength Coach 3.0

Related Articles:

Core stabilisation training for middle and long-distance runners

THE INNER UNIT- A NEW FRONTIER IN ABDOMINAL TRAINING

THE OUTER UNIT by Paul Chek

THE FUNCTION OF THE MID-TORSO IN SPORT ACTIVITIES


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