Abstract
Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccentric loads (SME) is highly effective to improve eccentric strength but potentially dangerous. Most SME training devices do not allow the athlete to move a barbell freely as they would when performing conventional barbell training. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is also a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training.
Highlights
Featured Application: The Intelligent Motion Lifter is a new mechatronic strength training device that allows safe and effective strength training with supramaximal loads
Scientific analysis of world class Swedish alpine ski racers in the 1990s [1,2] showed that eccentric muscular work predominated over concentric work in the disciplines of slalom, giant slalom and super
More current work with elite Swiss racers corroborated this [3,4,5], with Vogt and Hoppeler stating that alpine skiing is “the only sport activity dominated by eccentric muscle activity” [5]
Summary
Featured Application: The Intelligent Motion Lifter is a new mechatronic strength training device that allows safe and effective strength training with supramaximal loads. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training. More current work with elite Swiss racers corroborated this [3,4,5], with Vogt and Hoppeler stating that alpine skiing is “the only sport activity dominated by eccentric muscle activity” [5]
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