Ph. E. Souchard is a renowned French physiotherapist responsible for creating the method of Global Postural Re-education - RPG.
Since this technique was designed for individualized work, Ph.E. Souchard felt the need to restructure the method, to be able to apply it to groups, while maintaining its effectiveness, logic and principles, which gave rise to Global Active Stretching - SGA.
SGA is a stretching method with a special emphasis on breathing work and on muscle chains (Souchard, 1996), having, as objectives, the re-establishment of strength, length and flexibility of the muscle groups which are shortened and tense (Grau, 2003). According to Grau (2003), SGA stands out from other methods of stretching and postural re-education because it is based on these five principles
Muscles are organised in the form of muscle chains
Muscles have different physiologies
Muscle stretching follows the principles of physics with regard to viscoelastic materials
Stretch obtained = F*T/&
Stretching is always active and global
Breathing is key
To carry out the exercises or, more correctly, the postures or self postures there is no need for specific equipment, a wall and an exercise mat being sufficient in most cases.
This is a widespread method in both the therapeutic and sporting communities, with several examples of its application in top level competition.
Figure 1 - Real Madrid's professional football team
Figure 2 - Brazilian Olympic Volleyball team athlete
Figure 3 - FC Porto's professional football team
Figure 4 - Athletic Club women's professional team
SGA should only be taught by certified professionals in order to minimise risks and maximise the benefits.
References
- Grau, N. (2003). SGA - A Serviço do Esporte. São Paulo: É Realizações.
- RPGSouchard (s/d). O que é a RPG Souchard? [Web page]. Retirado de https://www.rpgsouchard.com.br/rpg-souchard/ a 12 de outubro de 2020
- Souchard, P. (1996). O Stretching Global Ativo - A Reeducação Postural Global a Serviço do Esporte. (2ª ed.). (S. Pardellas.,Trad.). São Paulo: Editora Manole Ltda.
Postgraduate in Physiology and Clinical Exercise
Postgraduate in Therapeutic Training.
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