In the world of athletic development, speed and jumping performance are often key qualities that determine performance. Plyometric exercises, which are based on the science of the stretch-shortening cycle, play a key role in improving athletic performance and serve as important criteria for returning to sports after injury. These exercises use the body's natural elastic properties to create explosive movements, offering a dynamic approach to training. A solid grasp of plyometrics enables professionals to design programs that significantly boost physical capabilities, leading to improved health and performance outcomes for athletes and individuals alike.

In this article we will discuss how the use of smart force plates like AxIT Stomp-IT can be used to break down and understand the key elements of jumping.

1. What assessments can be employed?
2. Which metrics to look at?
3. Basic strategies for interventions.

Understanding the Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)

The SSC is like the body's...

One thing we are noticing at SBN is an increase in the interest from health and fitness professionals to assess individuals not only for injury prevention and rehabilitation purposes but also for longevity and health optimization.

A recent study by Lichtenstein et al explored the trajectories of strength parameters across different ages in a healthy population ranging from 20 to 91 years old. The researchers compared new strength tests such as CMJ and IMTP with widely studied ones such as Grip Strength to determine their suitability for health surveillance purposes. The findings revealed that while most strength parameters followed similar downward trajectories after the age of 40, lower body explosive power exhibited a consistent linear decline throughout the observed age range. On the other hand, all other parameters demonstrated an accelerated decline with increasing age. These results provide valuable insights for assessing muscular fitness levels and comparing individuals with...