Austin Cooper EXSC 541
GUIDED ARTICLE CRITIQUE
Developing Maximal Neuromuscular Power
A. Background
The topic of neuromuscular power is among one of the most important aspects of many
populations. However, the fact is it may be even more so for the likes of Elite athletes, as their
ability to change direction and acceleration in their given domain is what separates them from
the rest. The article in review discusses the overall factors that go into developing maximum
neuromuscular power and the protocols that can impact the end result.
The athletes ability to have maximum power output, directly affects their ability to
perform in both change of direction and speed. There is, in fact, a linear progression and
regression in regards to Maximum neuromuscular power; the higher the output the higher the end
results and the lower the output the lower the end result. In order to improve overall athletic
performance, it is important to understand the factors that affect this concept, so that in turn, we
can develop prescriptions and programming to reflect the needs and goal of the athletes. This is
clearly stated as the importantance of the article as it clearly relates to speed and agility.
The factors that effect overall neuromuscular power listed are muscle mechanics ( length
tension, type of muscle fiber and action and time as it relates to said force of the muscle action).
The other factors that are also listed are morphological; the structure of the muscles themselves
as well as the surrounding ligaments and tendons. And finally that motor recruitment, or the
Austin Cooper EXSC 541
amount of muscle involved in a movement affect how much power would be generated.
(Cormie& McGuigan & Newton, 2011.)
Part 2 of the review examines the practical application on the facilitation of
neuromuscular power and how programming for this goal comes off of the basis of part one ,
taking into consideration the factors that were mentioned , such as length tension relationship,
motor recruitment and the use of synergist muscles and agonists muscle groupings. The overall
programming to improve this power output was subjected to a variety of different modalities.
The overall output was impacted by the presence of strength. Part 2 reviews that the current state
of strength in an individual affects their power output to a point. An individual must had some
sort of foundational strength in order for power output to be maximized. The use of traditional
exercises in regards to load and improvement are recommended , as well as the use of specific
movement patterns that are directly related to the individuals sport.
The article specifically highlights that the combination of traditional weightlifting
strategies along with heavier loads, has shown to improve maximals power output. This could
even be enhabnced further with the use of plyometric, ballistic, dynamic compound movements
as well. (Kraemer & Newton, 2000) .The high degree of specificity within the SAID principle , is
shown here that in-order for the adaptation of power output to occur , one must place stress
demands on the body that most closely resemble that athletes sport, movement pattern and
velocity.
B. Summary
Austin Cooper EXSC 541
Without a doubt the reasoning for the article is to measure and find a way to maximize
force production in athletes. Sprinting and Agility both implement force production, one
in a mostly straight-a-way path and the other in changing direction forcefully and quickly.
Gentically speaking, roughly 30-80% of athletic performance is based of off our genes.
So, in theory we can deduct that this athletic performance also affects the strength and
henceforth, power aspect in which we are trying to develop.
The ACTN3 and ACE gene are most linked to athletic performance and the most
studied as well. They influence fiber type within the muscles and they are also linked to
strength and endurance. In the case of speed and agility , fast twitch fibers play a huge
role, because power is based off of the velocity and strength of a person , this would be
seen as a crucial indicator if this genotype is active in those athletes.(Arden & Spector
1997)
The overall point of mentioning Genetics in this review is that when morphology
and genetic makeup of an individual has to be taken into account when developing a
progressive strength training program to increase the individuals output. Incorporating
fast-twitch compound movement and “lifting fast and heavy” would in theory be the best
overall practice to increase ones ability to produce a superior power output. This is soley
based of the SAID principle, which you should “train how you play”.
I believe the authors failure to recognize genetic makeup of an individual is key.
Without knowing the biology of an athlete, we are truly just estimating based on
“common practice” and not scientifical evidence , other than studies that show grouping
increase power through traditional methods. But who is to say that they could have a peak
Austin Cooper EXSC 541
amount of ouput if there genotype is in a favorable place to set up a program to perform
better.
References
Arden, N. K., & Spector, T. D. (1997). Genetic influences on muscle strength, lean
body mass, and bone mineral density: a twin study. Journal of bone and mineral
research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral
Research, 12(12), 2076–2081. https://doi.org/10.1359/jbmr.1997.12.12.2076
Cormie, P., McGuigan, M. R., & Newton, R. U. (2011). Developing Maximal Neuromuscular Power: Part 1
- Biological Basis of Maximal Power Production. Sports Medicine, 41(1), 17-38.
http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.2165/11537690-000000000-00000
Costa, A. M., Breitenfeld, L., Silva, A. J., Pereira, A., Izquierdo, M., & Marques, M. C.
(2012). Genetic inheritance effects on endurance and muscle strength: an
update. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 42(6), 449–458.
https://doi.org/10.2165/11650560-000000000-00000
Kraemer, W. J., & Newton, R. U. (2000). Training for muscular power. Physical
medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 11(2), 341–vii.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
