Which muscles are involved in the stretch-shortening cycle?
Gluteus maximus, quadriceps, soleus, gastroc
What is the stretch-shortening cycle responsible for?
making movements more efficient
What happens to the metabolic cost of running due to the stretch-shortening cycle?
-reduced by 30%
due to the elastic energy storage and return in tendons of the leg reduces work done by muscles
Which tendons are involved in the stretch-shortening cycle?
Achilles tendon, patella/quadriceps tendon, plantar fascia
What is the body considered as during the flight phase of a jump?
a projectile
What is jump height determined by?
the take-off velocity
What is take-off velocity determined by?
the power generated by the leg extensor muscles during the concentric phase of the take off
When does peak power occur?
1/3 max shortening velocity
How does the stretch-shortening cycle increase jump height?
- during the counter movement the extensor muscles of the lower limbs are stretched in the eccentric phase
- this can enhance the force output
Why is muscle tendon unit shortening increased?
due to the recoil speed of the tendon
How is force maximised?
- a larger stretch will sore more elastic energy
- the quicker the changeover
- there is an optimal size of stretch
What is the optimum size of the stretch?
- too small = more energy could have been stored
- too much = speed of changeover is likely to decrease
