Muscle co-contraction is a key phenomenon in the biomechanics of movement, especially in high-intensity activities. For physical trainers and physiotherapists, understanding how and when co-contraction occurs can be crucial for optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries. Definition and Mechanism of Co-Contraction Co-contraction refers to the simultaneous activation of antagonist muscles, meaning muscles that have opposite […]
Sprinting is one of the most intense forms of exercise in athletics, where maximum speed generation and movement efficiency are crucial. One fundamental aspect that influences performance during sprinting is muscular stiffness, or “stiffness.” This article explores how muscular stiffness affects ground reaction forces (GRF) during sprinting and why this is relevant for physical trainers […]
Sprinting is a fundamental discipline in athletics, characterized by high-speed, precise technical execution. In the biomechanical study of this technique, biomechanical attractors play a crucial role in describing how movement patterns stabilize for optimal performance. These attractors represent stable movement patterns that emerge from the interaction between biomechanical forces and the individual characteristics of the […]
In sports like soccer, basketball, and rugby, the ability to make quick and effective direction changes is crucial for performance and competitive advantage. Direction change technique involves a complex interaction of body movements that must be executed efficiently to maximize speed and control. In this context, biomechanical attractors are stable movement patterns that help understand […]
Thirty years ago, Dr. Stuart McGill revolutionized the understanding of spinal injury mechanics through videofluoroscopy studies, observing how joints behave during competitive lifts. One of his most significant findings was filming an injury caused by an instability event, known as “buckling.” Muscle Strength and Stiffness Muscle activation generates both strength and stiffness, where strength produces […]
In the world of sports training, understanding how the human body moves is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. Today, I want to share some concepts about the importance of stability and variability in practice to develop efficient movement patterns. The Importance of Stability Stability in movements is the body’s ability to maintain control […]
In the world of fitness, strength is not only measured by the ability to lift heavy weights but also by the ability to generate power and explosiveness. This type of training not only enhances athletic performance but also has functional benefits for daily life. Today, we will explore the concept of neuromuscular plasticity and how […]
In this article, I aim to address misconceptions regarding the mechanical characteristics of acceleration in sprinting. We will analyze concrete data based on measurements from force platforms, which are considered the gold standard in biomechanics. By comparing three different types of exercises, we can better understand how ground reaction forces affect acceleration and sprinting performance. […]
Understanding Tendon Extensibility Tendon extensibility is a fundamental capacity for our movement and susceptibility to injuries, especially in the context of sports performance. This property refers to the ability of the tendon to lengthen under tension, something crucial in explosive movements. A tendon rupture does not occur solely due to overstretching; it is an overstretching […]
The Importance of Motor Skill Acquisition In the area of sports training, understanding how motor skills are acquired and adapted is essential for developing effective programs that optimize athlete performance. In a recent interview with Frans Bosch, author of the influential book “The Anatomy of Agility,” key concepts that every coach should consider were discussed. […]