On 11/11/99, Nicholas Farmer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
<<Dear Dr Mel Siff, I'm writing because I have a question which I hope you
could help me with. When I was reveiwing the literature on plyometrics I
found that many authors stated that the mechanics behind the stretch
shortening cycle are believed
to be the myotatic stretch reflex. They also stated that pre-stretching a
muscle before activation mentally biases the alpha motor neuron for optimal
extrafusal muscle contraction.
My question - is all this theory or has it been scientifically proven to be
fact. I read the articles and only one reference (Radcliffe et al, 1984)
stated it was all theory, while the rest didn't say either way.>>
***One of the most interesting and useful discussions on this issue of
"stretch-shortening" processes is given in an issue of the J of Biomechanics
that was devoted to contributions from several leading scientists in this
field (1997, Vol 13). The concluding commentary by Dr Zatsiorsky on all of
the material in this issue is of special importance, so read it carefully.
Also pay close attention to the work of my colleague, Dr Verkhoshansky, the
pioneer of training plyometrics (as I think I mentioned before, a
considerable amount of his material is translated from Russian in our
textbook, Siff & Verkhoshansky "Supertraining" 1999 ISBN 1-874856-65-6).
Dr Mel C Siff
Denver, USA
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