Definition of plyometric exercise
is a quick, powerful movement using a pre-stretch, or countermovement, that involves the stretch shortening cycle (SSC).
purpose of plyometric exercise
to increase the power of subsequent movements by using both the natural elastic components of muscle & tendon, & the stretch reflex.
what are the 3 models plyometrics mechanical and physiology models?
with mechanical model of plyometric exercise what happen with performance of a rapid stretch
eccentric muscle action.
increases the elastic energy in the tendons & muscles.
elastic energy is briefly stored.
if a concentric muscle action follow immediatly a perfomance of a rapid stretch
stored energy is released, increasing the total force production.
what are the circumstances under which the stored energy is dissipated and lost as heat
The concentric muscle action does not occur immediately after the eccentric muscle action.
The eccentric phase is too long.
The eccentric phase requires too great a motion about the given joint.
Describe the neurophysiological model of plyometric exercise
potentiation (change in the force–velocity characteristics of the muscle’s contractile components caused by stretch) of the concentric muscle action by use of the stretch reflex.
During plyometrics:
You rapidly stretch the muscle (eccentric).activates the stretch reflex (muscle spindle response).The stretch reflex potentiates (boosts) the next contraction.
The muscle can now contract:
faster
harder
with more power
what is stretch-shortening cycle
the basis of plyometric exercise and combine mechanical and neurophysiological mechanism
what is the workhorse of plyometric exercise?
the Series elastic component.
it is the tendons that constitutes most of the SEC. When musculotendinous unit is stretched, (seen in eccentric muscle action) the SEC acts as a spring and stores elastic energy. if muscle starts concentric muscle action directly after the eccentric phase , then that energy is released.
Explain figure 18.1
the SEC is stores elastic energy , the contractile component : CC (actin myosin) is the primary source for muscle force during concentric muscle action.
The PEC : Parallel elastic component is only adding a passive force with unstimulated muscle stretch.
stretch-shorteninc cycle employs what
both the energy storage capabilities of the SEC and stimulation of the stretch reflex to facilitate a maximal increase in muscle recruitment over a minimal amount of time.
what is vital to plyometric exercise
the rate of musculotendinous stretch
a high stretch rate result in what
greater muscle recruitement and activity during concentric phase of SSC
what are the 3 phases of SSC
eccentric, ammortization, concentric
what is the action during eccentric, amortization and concentric phase of SSC
eccentric: stretch of agonist muscle
ammortization: pause between phase 1 and 3
concentric: shortening of agonist muscle fibers
physiological event of eccentric phase of SSC
Elastic energy is stored in the SEC.
Muscle spindles are stimulated.
Signal is sent to the spinal cord.
physiological event of amortization phase
Type Ia afferent nerve fibers synapse
with alpha motoneurons in the spinal
cord.
Alpha motor neurons transmit signals to
the agonist extrafusal fibers of the muscle group causing A REFLEXIVE MUSCLE ACTION.
physiological event of concentric phase of SSC
Elastic energy is released from the SEC.
Alpha motor neurons stimulate the
agonist muscle group.
advantage of plyo
Improves muscular power.
Prepares athlete for the deceleration-acceleration & change-of-direction requirements in most sports.
Been shown to decrease athletic injury rates.
May improve work performance.
What do practitioners rely on to prescribe plyometric exercise?
Available research
Practical experience
Methodology used for designing resistance & aerobic training programs
3 guidelines
Plyometric Program Design
Needs Analysis
Mode
Intensity
Frequency
Duration
Recovery
Volume
Program Length
Progression
Warm-Up Period
Cool-Down Period
Describe the needs analysis of plyometric exercise
Age
Training Experience & Current Level of Training
-> Resistance Training
-> Plyometric Training
Injury History
Physical Testing Results
-> Current abilities, e.g., muscular power.
Training Goals
-> Specific movements
-> Particular skills
Incidence of Injury in an Athlete’s Sport
how does the mode of plyo training is determined
determined by the body region performing the given exercise:
Lower Body Plyometrics,
Upper Body Plyometrics,
Trunk Plyometrics.
Describe the lower body plyos
are appropriate for virtually any athlete and any sport.
a wide variety exist with various intensity levels & directional movements.
Direction of movement varies by sport:
horizontal, lateral, and/or vertical movements.
Many sports
require athletes to produce a maximal amount of muscular force in a short amount of time.