Biotensegrity is an evolution of the work of Buckminster Fuller, who first used the word tensegrity in the 1970s. The word derives from the architectural concept of “tensional integrity.”

The study of biotensegrity led by Stephen Levin is significant for everyone because it dispels the theory that the body is an axial-loaded structure supported by bones stacked on top of one another and a simple machine using pulleys, and first-, second-, and third-class levers to move. It now appears, from the cellular level to the system level, that the biological structures of the body are made up of an efficiently balanced interaction between compression and tension elements. Broadly speaking, the bones represent the compression elements and the muscles and fascial system the tension elements. It is important to note that there are situations and loads on the body where this simple bifurcation will change. For instance, fascia will act like a compression element.

Until recently, researchers performing dissections didn’t know what connective tissue did and would “cut it away to look at something interesting underneath.” In the mid 1990’s, Jean-Claude Guimberteau, M.D., used tiny endoscopic cameras to reveal the startling adaptive quality of connective tissue. Depending on the load being placed on the body, connective tissue, or fascia, can literally transform itself from soft gelatinous matter into a tissue structure with a tensile strength stronger than steel. Connective tissue can toggle between being a tension or compression element in the body. Because it also has the capacity for elastic recoil, it can store more energy and release it faster than muscle.

Think of a rock climber hanging from a ledge by one arm. Classical biomechanics cannot explain this capacity of the body because the weight of the climber should rip the muscles of the arm and shoulder apart, and the intrinsic muscles of the hand are not strong enough to maintain the climber on the ledge. But when the three-dimensional matrix of the connective tissue, (like a huge unattached whole body spider’s web) stiffens under load, the “sinewy” climber is safe.

Connective tissue in a tensegral structure has the capacity to distribute force over a much larger area than isolated muscles. It is the same principle at work for weightlifters, who often hold as much as twice their body weight overhead.

Ancient Tai Chi masters discovered and explored the capacity of connective tissue centuries ago. There are two axiomatic statements from the Tai Chi Classics that demonstrate their understanding of biotensegrity:

I will explore the importance of biotensegrity in golf, exercise, and daily activities in future blogs.