We decided to put warming-up and movement preparation back on the radar in light of some stuff we’ve seen in the field and read from strength and conditioning coaches and physiotherapists, over the past 12 months. Just so there’s no confusion, neuromuscular warm-ups (NMWU) including the FIFA 11+ are warm-ups that can assist in reducing soft-tissue injuries in individuals(…)
Strength training in dialysis patients
Dialysis is a rough procedure and many patients spend hours in bed during their time on in it. This leads to both muscle wasting and the possibility of infected bed sores. Molsted, et al 2013 wanted to determine if strength could be maintained or improved during dialysis treatments. 29 patients undergoing dialysis were selected. They(…)
Speed training monitoring
Speed is arguably the most important physical performance quality in field sports. Training to develop speed should ensure that the session is based on quality of repetitions, not quantity. Therefore, quantitative analysis of a training session should ensure this is the case. How to do it Use a fatigue index. Quantifying fatigue If your session comprises of 6 sprints,(…)
Plyometrics for endurance athletes
We’ve discussed this before but it bears repeating, everyone stands to benefit from plyometrics if they are programmed properly. Ramirez-Campillo, et al 2013 assigned 18 distance runners to a control group where they ran 3 days/week and 18 to a training group where they ran 3 days a week and performed plyometric exercises 3days/week. Pre-post(…)
Taping and performance
Taping has been a part of sport for decades. It provides support to joints that are unstable or loose. We’ve all seen athletes lightly sprain an ankle in an important game and rather than sitting out and starting rehab, taping it up and running back in as soon as they can tolerate it. With athletic(…)
Exercise and Aging
Japan is facing the demographic time bomb faster than any other nation. With a median age of 45 years, they have more older adults with fewer younger adults than anywhere else in the world. Ohtake, et al 2013 began to analyze the thresholds for long-term care, falls and other signs of aging. They divided a(…)
Do plyometrics make soccer players stronger and faster?
Vaczi, et al 2013 wanted to know what measures plyos improve for soccer players. They split a team into control and experimental groups. Both groups participated in soccer training. The plyo group participated single and double leg jumps three times a week. The outcomes measures used pre and post the 6 week intervention were the(…)
Undiagnosed Concussion in Athletes
Anyone who has seen athletes in the middle of a game know that most will downplay an injury if they believe they can still, regardless of the consequences. We’ve all seen an athlete sprain an ankle, get knocked down and struggle to get up and keep playing even when common sense says that it’s better(…)