After explaining that effort notation captures the essence of movement – its quality and dynamics, Bartenieff describes how effort assessment can be of value to the physical therapist. She notes that many patients have vague complaints that cannot be tracked down to any organic source but do relate to an imbalance of dynamic energy (Effort) and how that energy is formed (Shape).
Bartenieff affirms that “Movement expression alwas comprises functional and emotional components which may weaken or reinforce one another; in looking at a physically distorted movement, one is often viewing emotional expression.”
She supports this statement with a case history of a spastic child who could not be taught to walk with crutches. She observed an “overindulgence in free FLOW,” accompanied by excessive crying and laughing and a craving for affection. “We used this over-emotionality by channelling it into the playing of dramatic roles” such as a clown and other circus performers.
She concludes: “His movement vocabulary became enriched, more balanced, and this improved the mechanics of standing and eventually walking.” By encouraging him to assume different Shapes and use new Effort elements, “emotional responses were brought about, which in turn influenced the physical capabilities of the patient.”