Activa Concepts utilizes a multi-sensorial patented technique, developed by French neuroscientist. This unprecedented and patented process expedites the changing and/or acquisition of a motor pattern or movement. The Activa method is relevant to athletes of all levels and abilities - from the elite professional looking to refine a precise, technical position or gesture, to the amateur enthusiast who is simply trying to improve his general motion for greater consistency.
Activa Concepts Process from "A to Z"
We set up a first meeting with you and your coach, who is largely responsible for deciding just what is to be altered from a technique standpoint. If you do not have a coach, we can recommend a professional in your area. The ideal recipe for success from the onset is the assembly of a three-person team: the athlete/client, the coach, and the Activa Expert.
Ideally, an initial high speed video is taken and reviewed by the Activa Expert and coach, prior to the Activa session. A date is then selected for the actual Activa appointment. A minimum of three hours is set aside, and normally the session transpires at your facility, or place of business. However, certain conditions must be present in order to ensure the highest rate of success. Our Activa Expert may suggest another venue, deemed more suitable for the session.
The Activa session begins with a high-speed videotaping of the athlete/client performing the motion at full speed. The three person team views the video, and the coach then identifies the less than optimal motion - specifically the cause of the fault or flaw - and what he would like to see the athlete do differently. Once the "new,"/more technically sound motion has been determined, a brief biomechanical analysis conducted for the purposes of identifying the "motor" or "engine" of the new motion, In addition, it is necessary to verify that the athlete is physically capable of moving in the new fashion.
The athlete is then asked to perform the new, more technically sound movement in different ways and at different speeds, with the focus being distinctively on the 'feel' of the new motion. The athlete is assisted and guided by the Activa Expert in this endeavor; it is not in anyway demanding physically. The specific 'feel' - what, when and where exactly in the body (and in what part/area) - that the athlete discovers, unique to each person, then serves as the foundation for the process to follow. Once the Activa Expert has deemed the athlete ready to proceed - this comes only after a strong awareness in both mind, and body, of the new motion has been reached by the individual - the "deprogramming" and "reprogramming" stage can begin.
Upon completion of the reprogramming stage, the new, more optimal motion is now in place and ready to access. The new movement/motor program has simply replaced the old, and is ready to activate or fire, unconsciously, just as the sub-optimal one did previously. The athlete is immediately re-videotaped upon completion of the reprogramming, and the results viewed by athlete, coach and Activa Expert. If the desired results have been attained, the athlete then watches himself (on videotape) for several minutes, performing the new motion. A brief "anchoring" process then follows, using some of the same technology as in the reprogramming process.
To conclude, a CD of the new, more optimal motion is created and given to the individual, designed for viewing in the days and weeks to follow (this can be thought of as a form of post process 'homework'). The visual component of the athlete watching himself execute the new motor pattern - unconsciously and effectively - is extremely powerful.
Whenever possible, it is recommended that the athlete return to see the Activa Expert for a brief session in one to two weeks, to review the modifications and address any questions or concerns.