National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) Practice Exam

The goal of integration techniques in corrective exercise is to improve intermuscular coordination. This refers to the ability of different muscle groups to work together efficiently and effectively during movement. By focusing on integration, corrective exercise helps ensure that the muscles involved in a specific movement pattern communicate well and function harmoniously. This is crucial for restoring proper movement patterns, enhancing functional performance, and reducing the risk of injury.

Intermuscular coordination is especially important in individuals who may have developed compensatory movement patterns due to muscle imbalances, injuries, or other issues. Integration techniques aim to retrain the body to perform movements with the appropriate muscles firing at the right times and to the correct degrees, which improves overall movement quality.

While enhancing flexibility and range of motion, increasing overall strength, and promoting cardiovascular fitness are all essential components of a comprehensive fitness program, they are not the primary focus of integration techniques within the context of corrective exercise. Instead, integration techniques prioritize the coordination and timing among muscles to optimize performance and function.