Power works through spirals in the kinetic chain
The anterior and posterior serape (APS) explains total body power mainly in rotational movements, but in sagittal plane movements as well, as discussed in this thread
The muscles involved in the serape are arranged in spiral lines with myofascial connections between them. These myofascial slings connect to one another in order to transmit force throughout the kinetic chain
Generating power starts through the lower limbs and the hip musculature. The power from the hips transfers up the kinetic chain to the upper limbs through the activated or “stiffened” core musculature involved in the anterior and posterior serape
McGill’s work shows that a stable core is necessary to transfer forces and prevent injury. For example, proximal core stiffness enhances distal limb speed, allows the spine to handle load, and eliminates micro-movements of the joints causing pain and damaging tissue
An example in sport is swinging:
A lefty hitter loads up the left leg while rotating the shoulders left & activating the posterior serape from left leg to right shoulder
When the posterior serape fires, it loads the anterior serape throughout contact & then opposite APS decelerates swing. These types of diagonal patterns are seen in any movement that works in the transverse plane like throwing or sprinting. The APS also works to co-contract the musculature of the core during sagittal plane movements as well like jumping and deadlifting
Training the stretch shortening cycle or creating tension in the transverse plane allows athletes to work on this effect
i.e. ballistic rotational exercises like med ball throws or functional rotation & anti-rotation exercises with bands
Credit: Santana et al. 2015
Comments