Movement patterns

Gait Pattern

Walking is a fundamental motor pattern achieved by a child around the age of 1.

A child attempts to move faster around the age of 1.5, which initially often ends with a sudden loss of balance and a fall. A more advanced variation of walking is running, which is characterized by the presence of a flight phase when both of the runner's feet lose contact with the ground. Sports disciplines based on the gait pattern include: athletics, soccer, cross-country skiing, and trekking.

Squat Pattern

It is the natural way of flexing the hip, knee, and ankle joints to lower the body's position while maintaining control, stability, and balance.

A deep squat can be observed as early as around 12 months of age, when a child spends time playing precisely in a deep squat position. Proper execution of a squat is the foundation for jumping and landing. The squat engages not only the muscles of the lower limbs but also the muscles responsible for trunk stabilization, making it one of the most comprehensive exercises for maintaining proper muscle strength and correct ranges of motion in individual joints. Sports disciplines based on the squat pattern include: volleyball, equestrian sports, skiing, and martial arts.

Torso flexion pattern

This is a movement involving controlled flexion in the lumbar-thoracic spine and hips—such as when bending down to pick something up from the ground.

The flexibility of the posterior myofascial chain (including, among others, the muscles located in the posterior part of the lower limbs, the back muscles, and the galea aponeurotica) determines the range of torso flexion. Sports disciplines based on the torso flexion pattern include: rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts, and judo.

Torso extension pattern

This is the active extension of the hips and spine, meaning the movement of "straightening up" from a bent or squatting position—essential for postural stabilization.

The extension pattern is noticeable as early as the 6th month of a young human's life when they display a support position on straightened arms. Through exercises such as bridges, we primarily activate the gluteal muscles, which are not only among the most important anti-gravity muscles enabling the maintenance of an upright posture but also constitute a crucial element in preventing spinal and knee joint injuries. Sports disciplines based on the torso extension pattern include: rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics,

Pulling pattern

This is the movement of pulling a weight or the body closer to oneself - such as in a pull-up or row. It primarily engages the back and shoulder muscles.

The pulling pattern is demonstrated by a child between 7 and 10 months of age when they begin to move by crawling or creeping. Additionally, achieving an upright posture by an infant around 11-12 months is made possible by pulling themselves up, for example, with the help of furniture or walls. Sports disciplines based on the pulling pattern: kayaking, mountain climbing.

Pushing pattern

It is the movement of pushing a weight or the body away from oneself - for example, push-ups or presses. It engages the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps.

The pushing pattern can be observed just before crawling appears, when a child, due to a lack of coordination, pushes off from the ground and moves backward, performing what is known as "backward crawling." Exercises in the pushing pattern with external load engage not only the muscles of the shoulder girdle and upper limb but also the abdominal muscles, hip girdle, and lower limb muscles, making them some of the most comprehensive motor tasks.

Torso rotation pattern

It is the twisting of the torso around the spinal axis—a natural movement in walking, throwing, or reaching behind oneself.

An appropriate range of torso rotation is essential for performing correct gait and running patterns, which involve alternating limb movement and alternating torso twists. Torso rotation exercises improve spinal mobility and also engage the abdominal muscles responsible for stabilization. Therefore, they serve as an excellent form of preventing overuse injuries in the spine. Sports disciplines based on the torso rotation pattern include rhythmic gymnastics, tennis, golf, acrobatics, squash, padel, and tricking.