Copyright, Wright Balance® 2025

The kinetic chain refers to the interconnected system of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and labrum that work together to produce movement. The movement of the kinetic chain is referred to as the kinematics. The kinetic chain and movement kinematics are two related but DIFFERENT parts of the musculoskeletal system. The kinetic chain has to do with the alignment or misalignment of the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and labrum.

Note: The labrum is a type of cartilage found in both the shoulder and hip joints. Its main purposes are to:

  1. Deepen the Socket: In both the shoulder and hip joints, the labrum helps to deepen the socket, providing a more secure fit for the ball of the joint and enhancing stability.
  2. Stabilize the Joint: It acts as a suction seal around the joint, contributing to the overall stability by keeping the joint's ball in the correct position.
  3. Support Attachment Sites: The labrum serves as an attachment point for ligaments and tendons, which are crucial for joint movement and stability.
  4. Shock Absorption: In the hip joint, the labrum helps to dissipate the pressure exerted on the joint during movement, protecting the articular cartilage and aiding in overall joint health.

Overall, the labrum plays an essential role in maintaining the stability, function, and integrity of these joints.

Note: Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bone to bone at a joint. Ligaments stabilize joints by preventing excessive or abnormal movement and help maintain joint alignment.

Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendons transmit the force generated by muscle contraction to bones, enabling movement. Tendons also provide stability to the joints during dynamic activities.

Kinematics refers to the movement of the kinetic chain. Disruptions or misalignments in the kinetic chain can create a ripple effect through the body impacting posture, movement patterns in kinematic sequencing and overall health.

Disruptions caused by a kinematic sequence that does not match the "activity" is also a source of injury. For example, in golf, Wright Balance® research has demonstrated that there are 3 distinct kinematic sequences, each matching a different Core Zone. When a kinematic sequence does not match a Core Zone, there is a disruption in the kinetic chain creating poor performance and a predisposition to injury.

The primary role of the kinetic chain is to facilitate efficient movement and prevent injury. Some health practioners believe the kinetic chain impacts internal organ function. Those individuals believe that maintaining a well-aligned body and a balanced kinetic chain is essential not only for musculoskeletal health but also for the optimal functioning of the body's internal organs. That being said, the Wright Balance® Express balances and aligns the kinetic chain. If, in fact, the changes in internal organs occur as described below, that is another bonus of the Wright Balance® Express.

PRIOR to the Wright Balance® Express in one (1) stance width and in eight (8) isometric hold positions, the majority of the population appears as follows with either a lower right shoulder or lower left shoulder with the same side hip higher.

NOTE: Wright Balance® Professionals report that the majority of right-handed players have a lower right shoulder and the majority of left-handed players have a lower left shoulder.

When the right shoulder is lower, their is an internal rotation of the left hand (not shown here), the pelvis is rotated left and there is a pronation of the right knee, all examples of misalignment of the kinetic chain as shown here.

The following image shows PGA Tour veteran Nick Faldo in 1989. Note his lower right shoulder, his higher right hip and the internal rotation of his left hand.

If your student holds a white card between the index and middle finger, stands tall and relaxed, you will see less of the white card in one hand and you will see more of the back of that hand. That is the direction the hips will be rotated.

When the right shoulder is lower, their is an internal rotation of the left hand and balance is forward in the right foot and back in the left foot creating a rotation of the pelvis to the left. The balance configuration is shown here.

Similarly, when the left shoulder is lower, their is an internal rotation of the right hand and balance is forward in the left foot and back in the right foot creating a rotation of the pelvis to the right as shown here.

This video is a summary of a few positions of a disrupted Core, AKA a misaligned kinetic chain. These are examples that are corrected with the Wright Balance® Express Exercise in one stance width. The Wright Balance® Express Exercise takes a total of 80 seconds in one stance width to correct the misalignment of the kinetic chain and lasts for a four (4) to twelve (12) hours the first time and twelve (12) to twenty-four (24)hours with repeated daily use.

The Wright Balance® Express aligns the Kinetic Chain as measured in plains of motion as well as face on, down the line and rear observation as shown in this illustration.

This video is a summary of a few of the numerous changes that occur in the kinetic chain.

This video is a demonstration face on and down the line of how to do the eight (8) isometric positions of the Wright Balance® Express.

NOTE: If you are not a Wright Balance® Professional and you wish to experience the results of this exercise, carefully follow the above video using a yardstick at 8 inches. Be certain the middle of each foot is at 8 inches and you hold any circular implement with a "baseball grip". Be certain to hold each isometric position for 10 seconds. When you finish the exercise walk a short distance and notice that you have minimal rotation of your hips as you do. Note that when you push off your back foot with each step how far forward you are. Also note that your hips remain square in all stance widths.

Next, do the Wright Balance® exercise at 30 inches. When you finish, note that your weight is toward your heels, when you walk you will push off in your trail foot more toward your arch. This the tip of the iceberg. For more information on how to impact balance in all activities, contact your local Wright Balance® Professional.

The following are a few of the numerous changes created by the Wright Balance® Express

  1. Heel to toe balance with a straight line of pressure / force matching the Core Zone
  2. Unrestricted shoulder and hip rotation in all stance widths
  3. Hips square in all stance widths
  4. There is a leveling of the hips and shoulders (Coronal / Frontal Plane)
  5. There is an elimination of pelvic rotation (Axial / Transverse Plane
  6. The pelvis remains square in forward and backward motion (Sagittal Plane)
  7. The location of foot strike when walking or running is dependent on the Core Zone being trained and which of the 15 Stance Widths was used when doing the Wright Balance® Express
  8. There is an elimination of "drag" in all motion creating freedom of range of motion in all activities
  9. Knee pronation / supination is eliminated decreasing the chance of knee injuries
  10. The arms and hands hang exactly the same at the side
  11. The visual perception of lines or objects in space is accurate
  12. You will now be able to isolate your hips facilitating instruction in golf, baseball, soccer or any running, jumping or athletic movement. In golf, grip is easily taught when the hips and grip are eliminated as variables. In baseball, you have eliminated bat roll through the hitting zone and your vision of the ball in space is enhanced. Ask your Wright Balance® Professional for further explanation.
  13. Posture will be more upright and you will stand and sit taller
  14. You will have increased ROM in all joints of your body
  15. Soft tissue pain will start to diminish
  16. Your ability to separate your upper and lower body is greater
  17. You have aligned your kinetic chain and created core symmetry
  18. You have eliminated the impact of heel to toe balance created by any object you hold
    19, Drag from hip rotation when walking, running or cycling is eliminated.
  19. You are no longer "blocked" when moving laterally reducing the chance of injury or falling
    .
    Your ability to move laterally in both directions is now without restriction with any activity from tennis to squash to pickle ball or any activity that has lateral movement demands during play.

NET RESULT: Aligning your body's kinetic chain allows you to recruit maximum power from the ground, minimize injury resulting from misalignment of the kinetic chain, maximize rotation, lateral and sagittal motion and reduce drag in all activities. Lastly, the Wright Balance Express eliminates the impact of changes in heel to toe balance with handle size. In summary, all Planes of Motion are balanced and movement is free without restriction in all directions.

Why Does Tape on Fingers Create Changes During Exercise?

This video describes in detail how the isometric pressure impacts the body creating symmetry. I discovered the relationship of "power spots" to different Core Zones, our individual carrying angle and heel to toe balance over the past 30 years. That research has evolved to the present day applications.

The process of "Tensegrity" and propagation of force at the cellular level has been researched by Dr. Don Ingber and his staff at Harvard Medical since the early 2000s. Below is a link to an EBook on the Propagation of Force through the body and various explanations of how this happens.

:Application of Pressure and the Propagation of Force: An Overview"

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-power-spots-create-propagation-of-force/

Overall Health & the Kinetic Chain

NOTE: The following is an overview of how the alignment of the kinetic chain impacts our musculoskeletal system and our internal organs. This summary is NOT CONCLUSIVE where research has not been done. It remains to be seen whether the kinetic chain can directly or indirectly influence the functioning and health of the internal organs as well.

For example, Dr. Christine Foss, in Dynamic Chiropractic wrote:

"Research has shown that excessive pronation, for instance, increases forces on the lumbar spine, contributing to low back pain. This would be an example of kinetic forces acting on the lumbar spine to promote pain or injury." Dr. Foss referenced Yazdani, et al.
Yazdani F, Razeghi M, Karimi MT, et al. Foot hyperpronation alters lumbopelvic muscle function during the stance phase of gait. Gait Posture, 2019 Oct;74:102-107

The Wright Balance® Express corrects ALL pronation described in this reference.

Holistic medicine proponents SUGGESTS that the kinetic chain can impact internal organs as well as the musculoskeletal system. That remains to be measured. However, what is measureable is the impact the kinetic chain has on the musculoskeletal system. Those measures are changes in planes of motion, measureable changes in posture, knee pronation or supination, subjective reports of improved sleep and the relief of soreness and pain.

Below is a combined list of musculoskeletal changes that might impact our internal organs as describe in the literature.

1. Pathokinesiology and the Musculoskeletal System**

Holisitc medicine practitioners suggest that the alignment of the body’s joints, especially the spine and pelvis, plays a role in the positioning and function of internal organs. For example:

  • Slouched posture or excessive curvature in the spine can compress the diaphragm, which may restrict lung capacity and proper breathing.
  • Pelvic misalignment Holisitic practitioners believe that pelvic misalignment may influence the positioning of abdominal organs like the intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs, possibly leading to digestive issues, discomfort, or even urinary problems.

Note: Pathokinesiology provides a clear framework for predicting how misaligned joints affect surrounding structures.

For example Hip Misalignment can create excessive forces that are transmitted to the acetabular labrum, leading to labral tears and increased risk of osteoarthritis.
Spinal Misalignment may alter vertebral alignment redistributing axial loads onto intervertebral discs, resulting in disc bulging or herniation.
Shoulder Misalignment or poor glenohumeral alignment increases shear forces on the glenoid labrum, leading to chronic shoulder instability and pain.

By identifying these predictable patterns, clinicians can intervene early to restore proper alignment and prevent the progression of joint damage.

Conclusion

Pathokinesiology highlights the fundamental connection between joint alignment and the health of surrounding structures such as muscles, ligaments, discs, and the labrum. Misalignment during movement or static posture leads to predictable patterns of wear and tear, which, if unaddressed, result in chronic pain and degenerative conditions. Early identification and corrective interventions are key to maintaining joint integrity and preventing long-term musculoskeletal damage.

References

  • Neumann, D. A. (2016). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier Health Sciences.
    A comprehensive resource on biomechanics and the interaction between joint alignment and surrounding tissues.
  • Kapandji, I. A. (2019). The Physiology of the Joints. Volume 1, Upper Limb. Churchill Livingstone.
    Discusses the physiological implications of joint alignment and pathology.
  • Bogduk, N. (2005). Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine and Sacrum. 4th ed. Churchill Livingstone.
    Focuses on spinal biomechanics and the effects of misalignment on discs and surrounding structures.
  • Levangie, P. K., & Norkin, C. C. (2011). Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis. 5th ed. F.A. Davis Company.
    Explores joint mechanics and how misalignment contributes to musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Sahrmann, S. (2002). Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes. Mosby.
    Provides a detailed approach to assessing and correcting movement patterns that lead to joint misalignment.
  • Magee, D. J. (2013). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 6th ed. Saunders.
    Includes the pathomechanics of joints and tissues affected by malalignment and movement dysfunction.
  • Cook, C. E. (2012). The role of movement impairments in musculoskeletal disorders: A clinical perspective. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 20(4), 171-177.
    A clinical exploration of movement impairments, including joint misalignment and its effects on surrounding structures.
  • McGill, S. M. (2016). Low Back Disorders: Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Human Kinetics.
    Discusses the biomechanical stress on the lumbar spine due to improper joint mechanics and misalignment.
  • Nordin, M., & Frankel, V. H. (2012). Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System. 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
    Provides fundamental concepts of joint biomechanics and their implications for tissue stress and degeneration.
  • Solomonow, M. (2006). Ligaments: A source of musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 10(1), 12-24.

2. Breathing and Diaphragm Function

"The importance of all systems in the body working synergistically can be demonstrated in the intimacy between the cardiorespiratory system and the kinetic chain. The cardiorespiratory system is a major support system for the kinetic chain; however, it is also the kinetic chain that provides essential support for the cardiorespiratory system. Muscles, bones and the nervous system are all essential components of the cardiorespiratory system that enable it to function optimally. Concurrently, if there is a dysfunction in the cardiorespiratory system, this can directly impact the components of the kinetic chain and perpetuate into further dysfunction. Alterations in breathing patterns are a prime example of this relationship."

Reference
https://blog.nasm.org/fitness/dysfunctional-breathing-and-its-affects-on-the-kinetic-chain

The diaphragm is crucial for both breathing and the functioning of organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Disruptions in the kinetic chain, especially through poor posture or dysfunction in the spine and pelvis, can restrict the diaphragm movement which impacts the lungs and oxygenation of musculature and other organs:

  • Shallow or restricted breathing can lead to lower oxygen intake, affecting energy levels and overall health.
  • Chronic poor posture (e.g., rounded shoulders or forward head posture) can weaken diaphragm function, leading to inefficient breathing patterns and possibly causing digestive disturbances, as the abdominal organs become compressed.
  • Nitric Oxide is available in the nasal passage and sinuses, not elsewhere in the respiratory system. Nitric Oxide is a vasodilator (expands blood vessels). We emphasize nose breathing during the Wright Balance® Express to produce maximum intake of Nitric Oxide and greater oxygenation of the muscles. .

Nitric Oxide (NO) produced in the nasal passages and inhaled through the lungs can impact blood vessel dilation in other parts of the body, although the effect is considered to be relatively small due to the rapid breakdown of Nitric Oxide once it enters the bloodstream; however, it is thought to primarily influence blood vessel dilation within the lungs themselves, aiding in optimal oxygen uptake. Optimal oxygen uptake increases oxygenation of the muscles.

References

  • Vander, A., Sherman, J., & Luciano, D. (2001). Human physiology: the mechanisms of body function. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Clark, M. C., Lucett, S. C., & Sutton, B,G. (2012). NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
  • Farkas, G.A., Decramer, M., Rochester, D.F., & De Troyer, A. (1985). Contractile properties of intercostal muscles and their functional significance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 59:528-35.
  • Chaitow, L. (1999). Cranial manipulation theory and practice: osseous and soft tissue approaches. London: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Clark, M. C., & Lucett, S. C. (2011). NASM Essentials of Corrective Exercise Training. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Conclusion

The primary role of the kinetic chain is to facilitate efficient movement and prevent injury. Some health practioners believe the kinetic chain impacts internal organ function. Those individuals believe that maintaining a well-aligned body and a balanced kinetic chain is essential not only for musculoskeletal health but also for the optimal functioning of the body's internal organs. That being said, the Wright Balance® Express balances and aligns the kinetic chain. That alignment allows for maximum power to be recruited from the ground with the proper kinematic sequence while minimizing the chance of injury. If, in fact, the changes in internal organs occur as suggested by some, that is another bonus of the Wright Balance® Express.