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Stretch Shortening Cycle

 

The stretch shortening cycle (SSC) is the physiological mechanism involving an eccentric muscular and tissue stretch, followed by an amplified concentric contraction. There are several physiological properties that play a role in the SSC. There is the muscle spindle (wants to speed up contraction), the Golgi Tendon (wants to slow down contraction), the muscular pre-stretch (puts muscles in better length for contraction forces and increases tension), there is an increase in neural output, neural facilitation, and many more possible unexplored physiological mechanisms (fascia, tendons, proprioception, intra-fiber proteins, intramuscular timing etc…)

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Strength Qualities (VBT)

Strength is not as simple as some might make it out to be. Strength is highly contextual. Being strong at faster velocities compared to slower velocities may be a more desirable trait to have for your specific sport. Researchers and coaches over the years have sought out ways to quantify different training zones to pinpoint specific strength qualities. Traditionally, these training zones have been looked at from the standpoint of the force velocity curve. However, I think it might be a little more applicable and easier to understand these qualities when extrapolating the findings from a power-velocity curve.

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Metrics

Author: Dr. Gregg Mallett

I often hear from those who train I wish I had a GPS device to monitor my workouts and progress. Well, expensive GPS devices may not be needed to do so. Also, I often see people simply write down what they lifted after a particular set. This is good and all, but what does it mean? What do you do with this information? How do you measure progress? Are you weaker if you do not lift the same weight the next time around? Let us take a look at the metrics of volume (V) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). This commentary will provide methods to use that can assist in the quantification a workout session and provide meaning.

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Physics (Peak Velocity)

 

Peak Velocity can be used to determine whether an olympic lift is missed due to bar height or technical error. However, you first have to understand what peak velocity is.

Peak velocity is a specific point in the movement at which velocity of the measured object (center of mass, barbell, projectile…) is at its highest. Depending on the type of movement being performed, peak velocity will occur at different regions within the movement.

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Physics (Sprint Velocity)

Velocity is the change in distance over the time it takes to for the change in distance to occur. For example if I were to start running from stationary position (Initial Distance ‘Di’) and run 40 yards (Final Distance ‘Df’) in 4.4 seconds my average velocity for the entire run would be the change in distance (40yards) divided by the time it took to travel that distance (4.4 seconds).

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