We need to first clarify an important concept before we go into coaching and cueing:
- NOT ALL MOVEMENT REQUIRES COACHING
To Coach or Not to Coach
If someone is performing a movement/exercise correctly, all you have to do is shut your mouth and smile.
If someone is performing a movement/exercise incorrectly, you should ask yourself two questions:
- Do they need a different environment via a sensory change/coaching and cueing?
- Is this a professional error? Is this the right exercise for this patient at this time?
So if someone can’t perform the deadlift correctly, they either need some coaching and cueing (a sensory change) or they need a different exercise.
3 Types of Coaching
I break down coaching into 3 different categories:
- 1) Verbal – External & Internal
- 2) Visual – External & Internal
- 3) Proprioceptive
Each of these categories are a change of the inputs from the environment. Each section has a specific attentional sensory focus. Below is a brief introduction to each type of cue. For a more in depth look at specific cueing types, stayed tuned for Parts III-IV in this article series.
Verbal cues are by far the most common and one of the most researched coaching cues.
Focuses on how the body’s output affects the environment (outcomes, objects, etc.)
Focuses on the body processes and internal systems (muscles, kinematics, pressure, etc.)
Visual cues are rarely discussed in the coaching realm. However, there are some interesting concepts in this category that can have a huge impact on your clients’ movement.
Influences movement through visual input (visual field, objects, orientation, demonstrations, eyewear, etc.)
Internal / Motor Imagery
“Motor Imagery is defined as an internal rehearsal or reenactment of movements from a first person perspective without any overt physical movement. From another perspective, MI, also known as kinesthetic imagery, is an active cognitive process during which the representation of a specific action is internally reproduced in working memory without any overt motor output” -Carl Gabbard and Ashley Fox
Proprioceptive cues are very common in both rehab and training (whether the practitioner knows it or not). It’s a common sense type of approach that can have more profound effects than any other sensory change. These proprioceptive cues can be divided into MANY different sub-categories.
- External Stimulation (tactile, tape, surface, footwear, etc.)
- [Insert Latest Terminology]
Which type of cue the patient needs depends on many factors. A greater understanding of each of these types of sensory changes will help one determine which one to use. Keep the overall goal in mind and match your desired outcome to they type of cueing.
And remember, if someone isn’t performing a movement correctly despite your coaching/cueing, you either need a different sensory change or a different exercise.
Coaching & Cueing
Part I – Intro
Part II – The Categories
Part III – Verbal Cues – External
Part IV – Verbal Cues – Internal
Part V – Visual
Part VI – Proprioceptive
Part VI – Summary