Performance at older ages: what can we learn from world-class masters athletes?
Aging is associated with lowered performance across most sports that include a heavy physical component, including running. Yet, an increasing number of elderly individuals engaged in running are interested in optimizing their performance. What does to the science suggest regarding
Why you shouldn’t use sensitive periods to train athletes according to science
This blog provides three scientific reasons why you shouldn’t use sensitive periods to train youth athletes
Treadmill vs. outdoor running: Which one is best for performance, rehab and injuries, according to science
This blog post will discuss whether treadmill running is similar to outdoor running based on the latest science
Imbalances in muscle and tendon strength and the relation with injuries and performance
Many athletes participating in sports with plyometric loads have experienced pain in their tendons. This pain may be indicative of tendinopathy. For example, many volleyball players have experienced patella tendinopathy and many runners have experienced Achilles tendinopathy. An imbalance in
Is it possible to react within 100 ms in a sprint start?
Is it possible to react within 100 ms after the gun signal in a sprint start? In athletics, a sprinter is disqualified when he or she initiates the start movement within 100 ms after the start signal. This 100 ms
Do we need to perform a cool-down after exercise?
Introduction Many recreational and professional athletes frequently perform 5-15 minutes of low to moderate intensity exercises or movements after their training or competition in an attempt to improve recovery and hereby enhance subsequent performance and reduce injuries. This recovery method
How to monitor progression of individual athletes or patients
Many (personal) trainers, (strength and conditioning) coaches and (physio)therapists frequently test their athletes or patients to monitor fitness, progress and to determine changes in performance following training or a specific intervention. For example, some trainers let their athletes perform a bounce
The effect of resistance training on rapid force development
During most sport situations, there is <300ms time to develop force. For example, the ground contact during sprinting is around 100ms and the delivery phase of javelin throwing is around 120ms [1]. The capability to rapidly develop force is therefore
Compression clothing: Does it really work?
Manufacturers of compression clothing claim that the clothing provides ergogenic benefits such as an improved sports performance, a reduction in injuries and an enhanced recovery following exercise. These effects are thought to be the result of a decreased oscillation of
No eccentric hamstring action during running?
It is widely believed that the hamstrings undergo an eccentric muscle fiber action (they are lengthening while being activated) during the swing phase of high-speed running. Therefore, eccentric exercises are being incorporated into training programs to prevent hamstring injuries and
3 reasons why runners should stop static stretching
Static stretching involves lengthening of a muscle until gentle tension is felt and this position is then typically held for 30 s per stretch. Traditionally, stretching, and in particular static stretching has been an integral part of training for many
Is single-joint training detrimental to sport performance?
Exercises such as calf raises, leg curls and ab crunches are frequently used by personal trainers and strength & conditioning coaches with a background in bodybuilding or physiotherapy. In these exercises, it is attempted to train certain muscles such as
4 misconceptions about core stability training
Core stability exercises such as planking, crunches and the Russian twist are widely incorporated into rehabilitation and sports performance programs to prevent injuries and improve sports performance. However, there are several misconception related to core stability training. In this post
Balance training: A waste of time?
Slacklines, wobble boards or BOSU balls are widely used by athletes and patients to enhance their balance. They assume that an enhanced balance leads to an improved sport performance and a reduction in the number of injuries. However, a recent