Though many feel core strength is essential for athletes, measuring this strength is not well understood. This study attempted to analyze the impact of dynamic core strength on performance and find a measurable field test. What was done Twenty-five Division I collegiate football (~19.0 years) players performed medicine ball throws (forward, reverse, right, and left) in static and dynamic positions. …
Dual Task Core Training Increases Core Stability
Many core exercises are used with the goal of improving core stability and decreasing low back pain. This study used a control group and compared it to a novel exercise. What was done Forty patients with low back pain (~50.35 years; M=19, F=21) performed either the drawing in the abdominal wall (control) or the ankle dorsiflexion in addition to drawing …
Instability Training Improves Joint Proprioception
Background on Instability Training Although instability is often used to strengthen the core and hips, the translation of this to dynamic movement is not certain. Also, the influence of instability training on proprioception is also not well established. This study looked at the effects of instability training. What was done Forty-three participants were split into a training program for 10-weeks …
Core Stability Still Requires More Research for Performance Enhancement
There is an inherit association between core stability and swimming performance. However, if swimming improves core stability, how does core stability improve swimming? In swimming, the core muscles recruited are task-specific and are unique to each task. Swimming skills are specific to the exact swimming skill and even the same stroke at different speed may not be specific. Transfer Many …
Multi-planar Strengthening Appears Important in Rehabilitation
A weak core is considered paramount for athletes, as it is the “engine” of the body. It is also believed a weak core increases the risk of injury. The core is defined as the muscles which surround the lumbopelvic region and includes the abdominals anteriorly, the paraspinals and gluteals posteriorly, the pelvic floor musculature inferiorly, the hip abductors and rotators …
Future of Swimming Training
Smart technology is on the verge of dramatically enhancing swimming performance, be ready for the revolution. Swimming is one of the most biomechanically difficult sports. Unlike other sports, swimming works against water while in a horizontal position. The unfamiliar horizontal position makes all stroke corrections more difficult. Water also creates resistance during any motion, making improvements harder! This motion creates …
Friday Interview: Stefan Szczepan Ph.D. Discusses Immediate Feedback in Swimmers
1. Please introduce yourself to the readers (how you started in the profession, education, credentials, experience, etc.). Hi, my name is Stefan Szczepan. I’m a scientist at the University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Poland and I work at the Department of Swimming. This year I received a doctoral degree. I’m interested in motor control and learning included motor …
Friday Interview: Carlos Marco Rider Discusses Kuai and Swimming Technology
1. Please introduce yourself to the readers (how you started in the profession, education, credentials, experience, etc.). I am the co-founder and CEO of Kuaiwear, and I am an experienced marathoner, triathlete, Ironman, master diver, and rescue diver. I earned an international business and international marketing degree from the University of Gloucestershire and have worked extensively to develop new, exciting …
Effects of Barbell Deadlift Training on Submaximal Motor Unit Recruitment for the Quadriceps
Background on the Barbell Deadlift Dryland Training has become a quintessential aspect of swimming. Not only does dryland provide the opportunity for athletes to become stronger but it also provides an avenue for the body to create improved physiological adaptations resulting in more functional strength and faster times in the water. The barbell deadlift is an exercise that requires …
Low Intensity Exercise under Hypoxia: Hormonal Effects
Blood flow resistance training has been suggested to improve muscle strength and size at lower loads due to similar hormonal releases compared to resistance training. This acute hypoxia has stemmed research on systemic hypoxia. Training in systemic hypoxic conditions is also suggested to improve growth hormone (GH) release. However, the effects of systemic hypoxic conditions have yet to be determined. …