Interest in investigating minimalist footwear (MF) has grown exponentially in recent years. This article systematically reviews the benefits of MF for physical fitness, biomechanical factors, and injury incidence in middle and long distance runners. A systematic review of PubMed and FECYT (Web of Sciences, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines before 26 April of 2022. From the 583 studies initially found, 23 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The use of MF induces improvements in running economy and stride frequency in middle and long distance races and reduces the oscillations of a runner’s center of gravity and support time. From a biomechanical viewpoint, MF enhances forefoot support and increases knee stability, leading to greater foot and ankle mobility. In addition, MF reduces impact load at the knee joint.
This book excerpt is an overview of the fundamentals to sprinting mechanics and technique. It also covers starting, acceleration, drive phase, recovery phase, and deceleration.
The purpose of this article is to examine which foot placement (staggered or parallel) provides better trunk stability when performing the barbell biceps curl exercise.
Two factors that determine running speed are stride cadence and stride length. Because athletes propel themselves forward only when their foot is in contact with the ground, the stance phase of the running stride should be the focus of speed enhancement programs.
For emerging athletes to move properly and develop athletic skills, they must first develop proficiency in fundamental motor skills. The ABCs of athleticism, therefore, must reflect the development of fundamental motor skills first, and specific athletic skills second.
Personal trainersCoachesExercise TechniqueProgram design
This excerpt from the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th Edition gives a quick glimpse into some of the implements used in strongman training.
The power clean is similar to the power snatch but with two major differences. Firstly, the final bar position is at the shoulders, not over the head, and secondly, the grip is approximately shoulder-width apart, whereas the snatch has a considerably wider grip.
Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announces the results of the 2017 Board of Directors elections, as voted on by NSCA members, which includes a new President-Elect. N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, becomes the first female to be elected President of the NSCA’s Board of Directors.