The open arc movement is where the hands move away from the midline in the frontal plane or sagittal plane. A closed arc is described as the arm moving towards the midline (opposite to an open arc). The arc terminology was first described to me by physiotherapist Wayne Rogers who created the Kinetic Link Training approach. Arc movements like vertical and horizontal push/pull movements essentially make up many of the movements that the upper limb undertakes.
In the video below you will see one of Principle Four Osteopathy clients performing an open arc movement (unilateral) with the cable pulley from both a high and low start position. These exercises and variations of these arc movements should form part of anyones upper body training program. Whether they are performed in an isolated or integrated (kinetic chain) approach, that is up to you.
This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is located in Pleasance House, 178 Collins St. Book online or call us on 0396709290.