Understanding Applied Neurology Basics 101

Have you been wondering how Applied Neurology or Neuroscience science in general applies to you?  Have you heard about it and don’t really understand, but want to?

Let’s do a real basic run down.

As a personal trainer, coach, or therapist, understanding the intricacies of brain function can profoundly impact how you guide your clients toward better physical and mental health. The human brain, a marvel of nature, orchestrates every thought, action, and emotion. 

Much like the driver (your brain), who is driving and guiding the car (your body).

By grasping the fundamentals of neurology, you can optimize your approach to training, recovery, and overall wellness. Here are some basics on brain function and how activation influences your clients' body progress and well-being.

Have you ever asked yourself if your vision and inner ear are more important to your health than you thought?

We know that if we can’t see we might as well be walking on ice, or how awful it felt to be dizzy (inner ear).

So if we grasp that very easy concept, central to every workout or therapeutic session is the brain's ability to process sensory (vision, inner ear, proprioception) information and execute motor functions.

Sensory perception involves how the brain processes inputs from our senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This information helps clients navigate their environment, recognize potential risks, and make the most of their training.

For example, when a client adjusts their form while lifting weights, sensory receptors in their muscles and joints send signals to the brain. The brain then processes these signals to coordinate precise movements, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Understanding this seamless interaction between sensory perception and motor function can help you tailor exercises and techniques to meet each client's unique needs.

Importance of Brain Activity in Training and Rehabilitation

Every movement, from basic exercises to advanced training techniques, relies on brain activity, and that is why you will hear us say all the time; everything above the neck affects everything below the neck.

The brain's neurons communicate through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters, creating networks that facilitate both cognitive and physical activities.

When a client performs a squat, their brain sends signals to the muscles to engage and execute the movement correctly. Simultaneously, the brain processes sensory feedback to adjust the effort and maintain balance. Recognizing the role of brain activity in these processes can help you design more effective training programs and rehabilitation strategies.

So if your brain does not feel safe moving up and down, it would theoretically send signals to tighten the muscles so you can’t squat properly.  But what do we do, we stretch the calves, and try to improve the range of motion in the body, but is the real culprit the sensory inputs not working effectively?

Real questions to ask yourself.

Significance of Brain Activation Signals

Impact on Performance and Progress

Your brain is PREDICTIVE. 

Brain activation signals are critical in shaping client behavior and performance. Past experiences influence how clients respond to similar situations in the future. This principle, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to adapt and evolve, which can be harnessed in your practice.

For example, if a client has previously experienced success with a specific training method, their brain strengthens the neural connections associated with this method, boosting confidence and performance. Conversely, negative experiences might create nonfunctioning movement patterns that lead to resistance or fear. By understanding these mechanisms, you can better support clients in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.

All Changes Linked to Nervous System Adjustments

Every improvement or challenge a client faces—whether in strength, flexibility, or mental resilience—is linked to changes in the nervous system. Learning a new exercise, recovering from an injury, or overcoming mental barriers all involve adjustments in brain structure and function.

We will state again, that everything above the neck affects everything below the neck.

When a client learns a new skill, such as mastering a complex movement, their brain forms new neural connections, enhancing their ability to perform and understand the exercise. Similarly, applied neurology drills and assessments aim to rewire the brain, making it feel SAFE with new and old patterns.

Integrating this knowledge into your coaching practice can enhance your ability to facilitate positive changes in your clients, where you/they may have been stuck for years.

Grasping the basics of neurology offers valuable insights into how the brain influences physical and mental well-being.

By understanding sensory perception, motor function, and the impact of brain activation signals, you can better support your clients' progress and health when you engage in applied neurology.

Embracing this next evolution education will allow you to harness the brain's potential for positive change, leading to more effective training and rehabilitation strategies. When you start diving deeper into these concepts and see how they can transform your client's lives, your business and success will change overnight.