Muscle Activation Techniques is method for reactivating muscles that are not functioning properly. MAT has been embraced by major professional athletes, and it also proves very useful in rehab and injury prevention.
In this post, you’ll learn what MAT is, why it might be helpful for Pilates teachers (and other modalities too).
For a deeper look at the science behind MAT, check out our page How Muscle Activation Techniques Works: the Science Behind MAT.
What is Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)?
Muscle Activation Techniques, or MAT as it is commonly called, is a method of:
- Identifying limitations in range of motion (ROM)
- Testing muscles responsible for that active range of motion
- Improving neuromuscular communication
MAT is a non-medical modality that focuses on the neuromuscular system. In short, it aims to assess and improve the communication between the brain and muscles.
MAT was devised by Greg Roskopf.
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How Does MAT Work?
MAT uses manual muscle testing to discover poor neuromuscular communication. It then improves the connection between the nervous system and the muscles by 1) manual palpation (called a Digital Force Application to Muscle Attachment Tissues (DFAMAT)) or 2) specific isometric tests (called a Positional Isoangular Contraction (PIC)).
To learn more of the science behind Muscle Activation Techniques, read How Muscle Activation Techniques Works: the Science Behind MAT.
What is an MAT Session Like?
While sessions may vary somewhat from practitioner to practitioner, a typical session will run in a similar manner.
MAT practitioners generally work systematically. They perform an assessment to identify discrepancies in range of motion (ROM). A practitioner then chooses which ROM to focus on. They “clear” one ROM (by making it symmetrical to that of the opposite limb or body section), then proceed to the next.
At the RX level, the RX practitioner will likely follow a protocol design to enhance the entire neuromuscular network.
Does MAT Hurt?
There’s no easy answer to whether your MAT session will have moments that are painful. Muscle tissue that is inflamed can be sensitive to the touch, so sometime palpation can involve some pain. On the other hand, some palpation feels very good, even if the tissue is inflamed.
The good thing about MAT is that the practitioner does not need to palpate any area very long.
Do keep your practitioner informed about your pain level.
History of Muscle Activation Techniques
MAT is not the only muscle testing and activation program out there, and it’s definitely not the first. It comes from a more general approach often called muscle energy technique. But MAT founder Greg Roskopf made some unique innovations to muscle testing and activation to make Muscle Activation Techniques a unique modality.
While a trainer for the Utah Jazz, Roskopf learned about muscle testing from Dr. Craig Buhler, who was the Jazz’s chiropractor. Dr. Buhler had learned about the practice from Dr. Alan Beardall (who founded Clinical Kinesiology).
Roskopf went on to found Muscle Activation Techniques. He made important developments (including more muscle tests) and changes (such as testing muscles in a more shortened position).
Kendall and Kendall: the Kendall’s publication contained many muscle strength and flexibility tests which are still used today. However there is not much in the book in terms of strengthening, much less activation.
George Goodheart developed an approach to muscle activation he called Applied Kinesiology.
What is the Difference between MAT and other Muscle Testing and Muscle Energy Techniques?
Most muscle testing systems look to compare the strength of a muscle using a sustain test. Clients or patients are placed in a position that isolates or biases certain muscles, and then asked to withstand a force for a certain duration or until the force exceeds their ability to counter.
MAT aims increasing communication between the muscle and nervous system. This will make the muscle “stronger” by increasing the number of messages to contract that the muscle receives from the nervous system.
Bibliography
Gin RH, Green BN. George Goodheart, Jr., D.C., and a history of applied kinesiology. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997 Jun;20(5):331-7. PMID: 9200049. Link
