This week in the world of sports science, here’s what happened…
- Matt Casturo’s four-step approach to bulletproof your hamstrings!
- The latest sports technology used in Paris 2024
- Minimalist footwear can facilitate optimum foot development in children
Matt Casturo’s four-step approach to bulletproof your hamstrings!
The esteemed Matt Casturo of The Movement System has been a regular feature on SFS Weekly and has recently released a compelling YouTube video outlining his four-step approach to developing resilient hamstrings. Casturo credits the development of this system to his ten-year experience, insights from industry-leading experts, and the latest advancements in hamstring training research.
In the first step, Casturo recommends focusing on correcting an anterior pelvic tilt instead of just stretching “tight” hamstrings. He explains that hamstring tension is often caused by an anterior pelvic tilt rather than actual tightness in the hamstrings. Casturo suggests exercises to activate the hamstrings while maintaining control of the pelvis.
Step two emphasises the importance of developing hamstring tendon properties along with the muscle itself. Developing these properties is crucial for maximising hamstring resiliency. Casturo introduces his bridge exercise continuum protocol, which is designed to optimise the development of hamstring tendons.
The third step focuses on maximising hamstring strength development, with Casturo highlighting the importance of the hip isometric push test exercise. He explains that this exercise promotes a long lever leg position and is a more joint-specific exercise for sprinting, surpassing conventional hamstring exercises like Romanian deadlifts and Good Mornings.
Casturo’s fourth step emphasises the benefits of consistent exposure to sprinting. He explains the merits of integrating regular sprinting exposure, especially when reintroducing sprinting into a regimen following injury.
For each step, Casturo provides an in-depth analysis, outlines specific exercises, and offers program guidance recommendations. This video is an invaluable resource for individuals looking to strengthen their hamstrings. If you found this bulletin interesting why not check out our relevant blog Hamstring Injuries: What can you do to avoid them?
The latest sports technology used in Paris 2024
Following the recent conclusion of the Olympics, substantial online discourse persists around the event. Of note, a series of concise videos published by NothingButTech on YouTube has garnered significant engagement and discussion. Those with an interest in sports technology are advised to view these videos, as they offer insights into the innovative sporting technologies showcased at the Olympics.
The initial video (here) delves into the virtual reality goggles employed by the Australian relay swimming team during pre-Olympic training. These goggles facilitated real-time underwater analysis, enabling relay team members to precisely time their entry into the water and optimise their transition during swim relay races.
The subsequent video (here) scrutinises the technology underpinning the track surface utilized in athletic events. Notably, the track features a polyurethane top layer designed to compress under athletes’ feet, propelling them forward and optimising energy output. Additionally, the installation of multiple air pockets in the surface serves to minimise impact on athletes, thereby mitigating the risk of injuries. Moreover, the video provides the rationale behind the track’s distinctive purple colour.
The conclusive video (here) unveils the 3D athlete tracking analysis technology adopted by the US gymnastics team during pre-Olympic preparations. This cutting-edge technology, capable of recognising over 2,000 gymnastic elements, was instrumental in facilitating precise technique execution and refinement leading up to the games. Interestingly, the technology was also used by judges during the Olympics to assess the gymnasts’ performances. If you’re interested in sports technology, make sure to check out our excellent Library of Sports Technology and Data Online Courses (here)
Minimalist footwear can facilitate optimum foot development in children
In the context of foot and lower-leg muscle health, SFS Weekly has widely addressed the adverse effects of modern footwear. Despite this, the impact of modern footwear on children, who represent the future athletes, remains inadequately discussed. In light of this, a recent study sought to examine the effects of minimalist shoes on children compared to modern footwear.
Minimally designed shoes, characterised by their absence of cushioning, highly flexible soles, and lack of structural arch support, along with a spacious toe box promoting natural foot movement, were the subject of the study. Children wore minimalist shoes for two consecutive school terms (totalling 20 weeks), while a control group wore regular footwear.
The study revealed that children who wore minimalist shoes exhibited increases in foot muscle size, foot strength, toe strength, and arch height compared to those in the control group. However, no significant disparities were noted between the two groups in the star excursion balance test and the standing long jump test, casting doubt on the immediate athletic benefits of minimalist shoes. Nonetheless, it can be argued that the enhanced foot size and strength resulting from minimalist shoes may yield long-term athletic advantages later in the child’s life.
It is important to acknowledge certain limitations of the study. The minimalist shoe group initially comprised 30 participants, but a substantial 13 participants dropped out during the study. Moreover, the time spent wearing minimalist shoes was limited to three out of five school days, and participants were not required to wear minimalist shoes during a five-week holiday period. Despite these limitations, the study suggests that minimalist shoes may be optimal for the foot development of children.
From us this week:
>> New course: Strength Training for Youth
>> New podcast: Judo: How To Prepare For The Paris 2024 Olympics
>> New infographic: Elastic Resistance Training
>> New article: ForceDecks Dual Force Plate System By VALD
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