Stretch Shortening Cycle

Take Advantage of the Stretch Shortening Cycle

First things first, stretch shortening cycle is a simultaneous occurrence of concentric and eccentric muscle actions. Basically, while eccentric contraction allows a muscle’s length to be stretched, it is the concentric contraction which shortens it.

Take note that a lot of movements are the result of concentric actions which come before an eccentric counter movement. When the principles of stretch-shortening cycle are defined, understanding what is taking place during training and performance will be easier. This is basically beneficial in plyometric training planning.

When the stretch shortening cycle model is intently analyzed, one comes to the complete recognition that the skills of a human athlete is never just the sum of its parts – such as velocity, strength, stretch and loading.

Be aware that all plyometric performance – be it a movement pattern or otherwise – are inherently holistic and is an integration of all factors.
In the process of improving human power, a lot of mechanisms help in driving and coordinating the whole skeletal musculature.

So far, the most precise term used to explain the exact time from the stretch or the eccentric portion of the cycle all throughout the switching to the shortened or concentric portion is elastic-reactive.
The most vital element in elastic reactivity is the force which initiates the body to move, also known as the impulse.

Usually, when the impulse is greater, the efficiency also improves. When positive work is preceded by stretches, mechanical efficiency is also produced.

Stretch reflex is the foundation of the voluntary as well as the involuntary motor process. Take note that the stretch reflex is also called as the myotatic or muscle spindle reflex. This particular spindle apparatus are extremely critical parts of the nervous system.
In order to execute numerous movement skills, the muscles of the body need to receive a load type. The muscles’ radpis stretching automatically activates the reflex of the muscle spindle thereby sending a powerful stimulus thru the muscles of the spinal cord. It is the stimulus which eventually makes the muscles strongly contract.
How does the stretch shortening cycle work?

The cycle primarily integrates an eccentric contraction (where the muscles go through tension via the lengthening or stretching) as well as a concentric contraction (where muscles shorten).