Understanding Kinetic Chain Checkpoints: NASM vs ISSA (2024)

Kinetic chain checkpoints are a fundamental concept in personal training, vital for assessing and optimizing athletic performance. These checkpoints focus on the alignment and function of key body segments—feet, knees, lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC), shoulders, and head—ensuring they work in harmony to facilitate smooth, efficient movement. Both the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) emphasize the importance of kinetic chain checkpoints in their certification programs, albeit with slightly different approaches.

If you’re studying for your personal training certification, I recommend grabbing this cheat sheet courtesy of Trainer Academy.

In this blog, I explore:

Exclusive PTP CPT Offers
Gold Standard Cert	Most Popular Cert	Best Study Materials
A Good Option	A Good Option	Best CPT for you?

• The concept of kinetic chain checkpoints.
• NASM and ISSA’s methodologies for assessing these checkpoints.
• The practical applications of these assessments in training scenarios.
• Key points trainers need to focus on.
• How to pass certification exams by understanding kinetic chain checkpoints.

What are Kinetic Chain Checkpoints?

The human body functions as a kinetic chain, where each segment affects the other. Kinetic chain checkpoints refer to specific points in the body that need to be aligned correctly for optimal movement. These checkpoints are critical in maintaining proper posture, balance, and movement efficiency, and they include the feet, knees, LPHC, shoulders, and head. When these points are aligned, the body can move effectively and reduce the risk of injury. However, if one checkpoint is misaligned, it can cause a chain reaction of compensations that affect the entire body.

NASM’s Approach to Kinetic Chain Checkpoints 

NASM’s methodology for kinetic chain checkpoints is rooted in its Corrective Exercise Continuum (CEx). This approach begins with a detailed assessment of the client’s posture and movement patterns to identify any imbalances or dysfunctions in the kinetic chain. The Overhead Squat Assessment (OHSA) is one of NASM’s key tools for this purpose, as it provides insights into how well a client’s checkpoints are aligned during movement.

Exclusive PTP CPT Offers
Gold Standard Cert	Most Popular Cert	Best Study Materials
A Good Option	A Good Option	Best CPT for you?

For instance, during an OHSA, a trainer may observe excessive forward lean, knee valgus, or feet flattening. These compensations indicate dysfunctions in the kinetic chain, such as tightness in the calves or weakness in the glutes. NASM’s approach involves identifying these issues and then applying corrective strategies, including flexibility, activation, and integration exercises, to restore proper alignment and function.

Key Aspects of NASM’s Kinetic Chain Checkpoints:

1. Feet and Ankles: The foundation of the kinetic chain, requiring stability and proper alignment to support the rest of the body.
2. Knees: Should align directly above the feet; deviations can indicate imbalances in the hips or ankles.
3. LPHC: The core area that includes the lower back, hips, and pelvis, essential for maintaining balance and stability.
4. Shoulders: Should remain level and aligned with the torso, ensuring upper body stability.
5. Head and Neck: Should be in a neutral position, with the ears aligned with the shoulders.

ISSA’s Perspective on Kinetic Chain Checkpoints 

ISSA also places significant importance on kinetic chain checkpoints but takes a slightly different approach, focusing more on functional movement and the overall biomechanics of the body. ISSA’s methodology emphasizes the interconnectivity of the kinetic chain and how dysfunction in one area can affect the entire body.

ISSA’s corrective exercise strategies often involve functional movement screens that assess how well the kinetic chain checkpoints are working together. For example, during a lunge assessment, a trainer might observe if the knees stay aligned with the toes or if the hips drop. These observations help in identifying muscle imbalances or weaknesses that need to be addressed.

Key Aspects of ISSA’s Kinetic Chain Checkpoints:

1. Functional Integration: Emphasizes how different parts of the body work together during dynamic movements.
2. Balance and Stability: Focuses on maintaining equilibrium across the checkpoints to prevent compensations.
3. Muscle Symmetry: Ensures that muscles around each checkpoint are balanced in strength and flexibility.
4. Movement Efficiency: Aims to enhance overall movement patterns by correcting imbalances in the kinetic chain.
5. Preventative Approach: Works on preemptively identifying and correcting dysfunctions to avoid injuries.

Key Points to Focus on During a Kinetic Chain Assessment 

Whether following NASM or ISSA guidelines, the primary goal of a kinetic chain assessment is to ensure that all checkpoints are aligned and functioning properly during movement. Here are the key points to focus on:

• Feet: Look for signs of pronation or supination, which can indicate instability or muscle imbalances.
• Knees: Observe for inward or outward deviations, which often point to hip or ankle issues.
• LPHC: Check for excessive anterior or posterior tilt, which can affect the entire kinetic chain.
• Shoulders: Ensure they remain level and do not round forward, as this can indicate weakness or tightness in the upper body.
• Head and Neck: Look for forward head posture, which is common due to modern-day activities like computer work and can lead to upper body strain.

Application in Real-World Scenarios 

Applying the knowledge of kinetic chain checkpoints in training can greatly enhance a client’s performance and prevent injuries. For example, in a sport like basketball, where quick changes in direction are required, ensuring proper alignment of the kinetic chain checkpoints can improve an athlete’s agility and reduce the risk of ankle or knee injuries. In a gym setting, a trainer might use kinetic chain checkpoints to modify exercises for clients with specific dysfunctions, ensuring they perform movements safely and effectively.

For example, if a client displays knee valgus during a squat, the trainer might incorporate exercises to strengthen the glutes and improve ankle mobility. Similarly, if a client shows excessive forward lean, the trainer might focus on improving core strength and flexibility in the hip flexors and calves.

Practical Tips for Trainers:

• Use Visual and Verbal Cues: Help clients understand the correct alignment by providing clear instructions and feedback.
• Incorporate Corrective Exercises: Use targeted exercises to address specific dysfunctions identified during the assessment.
• Monitor Progress: Regularly reassess the client’s kinetic chain checkpoints to track improvements and make necessary adjustments.
• Educate Clients: Help clients understand the importance of maintaining proper alignment in their daily activities and exercises.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest research and methodologies from organizations like NASM and ISSA to provide the best guidance to clients.

Conclusion

Kinetic chain checkpoints are a critical component of personal training, providing a framework for assessing and improving movement patterns. Both NASM and ISSA offer valuable insights and methodologies for understanding and applying these concepts. By mastering the assessment and correction of kinetic chain checkpoints, trainers can help their clients move more efficiently, perform better in their sports, and reduce the risk of injury. Understanding these checkpoints is not only crucial for passing certification exams but also for excelling as a personal trainer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

References

1. Clark, M. A., Lucett, S. C., Mcgill, E., Montel, I., & Sutton, B. (2018). NASM essentials of personal fitness training. Burlington Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. Scott, Vanessa, et al. Foundations and Applications for a Certified Personal Trainer. 10th ed., ISSA, LLC, 2021.