1. East meets West
© KINERGETIX P
/L • DAVID LABUSCHAGNE • E: david@kinergetix.com • M: +61 (0) 466 688 706
Kinergetix Movement Therapies:
An integrative modality for the management and prevention
of chronic, complex and ageing-related disease and disability.
David Barend Labuschagne
Preamble
Chronic and ageing-related pathologies are pandemic and increasing. The socio-economic sequelae
are crippling both the individual and society at large. Interventions to contain or reverse this trend
have been largely unsuccessful. There is urgent need for an exercise regimen that satisfies a number
of criteria, viz.: symptom relief; address underlying impairments; prevent initial onset; enhance
functionality (physical and cognitive); inhibit regression; cost-effective; user-friendly; and utilises
minimal resources, supervision and time. In addition, component exercises need to be safe to perform
and relevant to modern lifestyles.
Overview
Mind-body therapies are gaining acceptance in the fields of rehabilitation and health conditioning.
Included in such are the Eastern modalities of Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga, which constitute a category
of exercise referred to as movement-based embodied contemplative practices (MECP).
A review of clinical trials of MECP indicates a wide range of health benefits and suggests that they
may be safe and efficacious exercise alternatives for chronic disease management and prevention
(CDM).
The author has developed an innovative modality, Kinergetix Movement Therapy (KMT), integrating
Western exercise and human-movement sciences with Eastern MECP therapies and martial arts
training. Long-term trials have been conducted to assess KMT’s potential for CDM, falls prevention
and the amelioration of ageing-related health issues.
Methods
KMT programs consist of weekly 90-minute group sessions staged over 13 weeks. Each session
comprises a 60-minute workout supplemented with a 30-minute lecture on health topics.
KMT trials were staged over a 12-year period with a cohort of 470 participants presenting with a
broad range of chronic and aging-related pathologies. Cohort age range was 18-86 years, median age
52.
Program participation was prefaced by, and concluded with an interview, assessment of fitness and
physical functionality, medical history review, and pathology reports. These factors along with client
self-reports were used to evaluate outcomes. Long-term outcomes were evaluated in follow-up
programs, private sessions and interviews extending over a period of 5 years from participants’ initial
enrolment dates.
Outcomes
KMT was productive of significant and enduring outcomes in the management of a broad range of
chronic, complex and ageing-related pathologies issues. These included arthritis, back/neck pain,
balance deficit, cardiovascular disease, menopausal issues, postural distortion, chronic fatigue,
diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, thyroiditis, overuse injuries, and COPD. KMT was also effective
in managing psychological issues such as anxiety, depression and self-efficacy.
Compliance rate exceeded 90%, and virtually all participants reported and displayed significant
improvements in mobility, vitality and functional performance. No adverse events were reported.

2. East meets West
© KINERGETIX P
/L • DAVID LABUSCHAGNE • E: david@kinergetix.com • M: +61 (0) 466 688 706
Discussion
KMT programs have been formulated to address CDM by restoring and enhancing functionality from
the aspects of biomechanics, physiology and cognition.
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in the evolution of chronic health problems. Underlying these are
the psychological issues of attitude and motivation. Accordingly, KMT incorporates strategies to
promote exercise adherence in conjunction with educational measures to reinforce positive health
behaviours.
Amongst the salient features of KMT is exceptional program compliance. Participants are motivated
to put in the time and effort because sessions are fun, stress-free, engaging, challenging but safe, and
the routines are directly relevant to the ADLs of modern lifestyles. Moreover, the social interaction
afforded by group sessions promotes mutual support and encourages cooperation as well as friendly
competition.
Conclusion and future prospects
KMT has demonstrated substantial potential for delivering significant and enduring health benefits to
the broad demographic at risk of, or afflicted with chronic and ageing-related health issues.
In addition to symptom relief, the benefits include increased functional capacity; a healthier, more
independent lifestyle; and an extension of productive lifespan.
KMT programs and program-leader training courses are scalable and suitable for delivery by a range
of healthcare providers as well as transmission via digital media formats.
Further considerations of safety of implementation, cost-effectiveness of group sessions, minimal
requirement for specialised facilities or ancillary aids, and outstanding compliance of participants
signifies the importance of wider implementation and dissemination.
movement therapies