1/4 Hour LabO #90: "Influencing the Deadlift through Cranial Nerve Stimulation"

Welcome to Neuro Quarter Hour

Welcome to this episode of the neuro quarter hour, where we explore how to influence your deadlift. This week, we will delve deeper into the theme of extension and the ability to activate the extensors, answering questions raised during the previous episode dedicated to flexion and extension.

Before we dive into the topic, we want to remind you of our 100% free training, LabO Introduction. With over 6 hours of videos and 30 neuro exercises, it covers functional neurology, primitive reflexes, and clinical posturology. This unique training is accompanied by a meeting with one of our three trainers. To take advantage of it, simply visit the Linktree link on our Instagram account. It’s exceptional quality content, entirely offered.

Activating Extensors for the Deadlift

To improve the tone of the extensors, which is essential for the deadlift, simple techniques involving the face and jaw can be implemented. These methods target specific cranial nerves.

Stimulation of Cranial Nerves 5 and 7

Cranial nerve 5 (trigeminal) and cranial nerve 7 (facial) can be stimulated together to increase the tone of the extensors. For example, clenching the jaw (with a mouthguard or stick) stimulates nerve 5.

Adding vibrations between the teeth, for example with a vibrating toothbrush, stimulates the supplementary motor area (SMA) and promotes coordination between both sides of the body. This action, combined with jaw contraction, activates the branch of nerve 5 connected to the brainstem, which in turn activates extension.

The Importance of Primitive Reflexes and the Babkin Reflex

Looking at the development scale of primitive reflexes, we see that the paralyzing fear reflex (PFR) is the first to manifest. It is quickly followed by reflexes related to facial expressions, such as the Babkin reflex (sucking, facial rooting). These survival reflexes are crucial for the newborn.

At birth, the baby is in flexion and naturally seeks to move into extension. Facial reflexes, from an archaic perspective, are set up to initiate this extension. Thus, working on the facial cranial nerves can reactivate these archaic mechanisms.

The Link Between Jaw, Posture, and Performance

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is closely linked to posturology. The interaction between the TMJ, the trigeminal nerve, the eyes, and the cervical muscles is fundamental. What happens at the facial level has a significant impact on the entire body, an often underestimated aspect.

In addition to vibrational stimulation, pushing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth, can also encourage extension and rehabilitation of the TMJ.

Correcting the Babkin Reflex

The Babkin reflex, which is foundational for the development of other reflexes, is essential. An optimal Babkin reflex can lead to difficulties in language and pronunciation, and is also linked to the grasp reflex.

Correcting this reflex can be done by squeezing and releasing the hand while holding a vibrating object in the mouth. This allows for the recreation of synergy between the sensory and motor systems, improving movement systemics.

Practical Applications and Results

These techniques are not just theoretical. The example of a world-class powerlifting athlete has shown the effectiveness of these methods: using a mouthguard and the position of the tongue on the palate during extensions clearly enhanced his deadlift performance.

By applying these principles, whether to improve a clean repetition, increase lifted weights, or even for broader goals like CrossFit or sprinting, a notable improvement is possible. It is fascinating to observe the impact of cranial stimulation on the extension of the entire body.

We have addressed the question of how to promote extension. There is still much to say on this topic, but we will reserve this information for future episodes. Don't forget the free LabO Introduction training, which has already attracted hundreds of people and received extremely positive feedback. See you next week!