As we enter into the New Year, I thought we could further consider the science behind our muscles and see how this relates to tai chi.
Strength is the ability to produce a force. Isometric (same distance or not moving) contractions are one form where the muscular length does not actually change and there is no net movement. This can develop static strength.
Isotonic (same tension) contractions involve a length change of the muscle producing a force. Concentric isotonic muscle contractions actively shorten the muscle to generate the force. It develops strength for the whole range of muscle movement.
Eccentric isotonic muscle contractions relate to an active lengthening of the muscle
Isokinetic (same speed) contractions have length change but produce movements of a constant speed
Plyometrics exercises refer to coupling the eccentric and concentric contractions to produce a myotactic reflex which results in an ‘explosive’ power effect.
In physics Power = Force x Velocity. By increasing both the speed (velocity) and strength (force) the result will be an increase in power.
This makes perfect sense and can be seen in partner exercises like pushing hands / adhering hands, however, how is the same effect achieved by great practitioners with lightness and seemingly slow movement speeds? Is there more going on than meets the eye?
Strength is the ability to produce a force. Isometric (same distance or not moving) contractions are one form where the muscular length does not actually change and there is no net movement. This can develop static strength.
Isotonic (same tension) contractions involve a length change of the muscle producing a force. Concentric isotonic muscle contractions actively shorten the muscle to generate the force. It develops strength for the whole range of muscle movement.
Eccentric isotonic muscle contractions relate to an active lengthening of the muscle
Isokinetic (same speed) contractions have length change but produce movements of a constant speed
Plyometrics exercises refer to coupling the eccentric and concentric contractions to produce a myotactic reflex which results in an ‘explosive’ power effect.
In physics Power = Force x Velocity. By increasing both the speed (velocity) and strength (force) the result will be an increase in power.
This makes perfect sense and can be seen in partner exercises like pushing hands / adhering hands, however, how is the same effect achieved by great practitioners with lightness and seemingly slow movement speeds? Is there more going on than meets the eye?