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Why you shouldn’t use sensitive periods to train athletes according to science

Figure 2. Reductionist approach with general motor abilities (top) and a holistic approach (bottom) to sensitive periods. In the reductionist approach to sensitive periods used in many LTAD models, the physical attributes of sports (e.g., soccer) are simplified into five general motor abilities (latent variables): flexibility, speed, coordination, endurance and strength. Sensitive periods are proposed for each general motor ability. This implies that the sub-systems that mature and are involved in each general motor ability are different, resulting in separate sensitive periods for all general motor abilities (upper image). The first issue with sensitive periods for general motor abilities is that these can refer to many different motor skills. A sensitive period for speed can for example refer to a sensitive period to improve maximum sprinting speed, but also to improve change of direction performance or maximum swimming speed. However, the sensitive periods to train maximum speed for sprinting or swimming or change of direction performance may differ because these are partly distinct motor skills with different involved sub-systems that have sensitive periods at different times. If sensitive periods exist, they are therefore likely largely task-specific with each motor skill integrating a network of abilities and sub-systems, potentially resulting in task-specific sensitive periods (lower image). Whether a sub-system is sensitive to certain training methods however also depends on the exact training method used, and the prior experience and genetic predisposition as indicated by the dashed arrows.

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

Biomechanical differences between treadmill and outdoor running

This blog post will discuss whether treadmill running is similar to outdoor running based on the latest science

Is it possible to react within 100 ms in a sprint start?

Sprint starts reaction time at start of blocks with electrochemical processes such as muscle slack and start-up pistol with male sprinter with muscles and skeleton

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?

Cool-down figure showing the potential psychphysiolgial benefits of an active cool-down or warm-down on post-exercise recovery. Potential benefits include lactate removal, muscle soreness reduction, improved performance and prevention of injuries

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

Linear trend line sport performance with statistical model and measurement error to monirot progression of individual athletes of patients objectively

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

Heavy weight in resistance training to improve rate of 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?

Runner with compression clothing (socks) trying to reduce muscle soreness prevent injuries and improve performance despite scientific evidence showing inconclusive results

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

3 reasons why runners should stop static stretching

Static stretching runner trying to reduce muscle soreness, reducing injuries and improving performance

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?

Dalen et al. image showing the effects of single-joint (isolated) vs multi-joint training in two groups performing a squat with calf raise of ballistic squat

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

Planking exercise to train core stability

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

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