Abstract
Athletic performance is determined by numerous variables that cannot always be controlled or modified. Due to aesthetic requirements during sports such as dance, body alignment constrains possible movement solutions. Increased power transference around the ankle-joint, coupled with lower hip-joint power, has become a preferential strategy in dancers during leaps and may be considered a dance-specific stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) demand. Newell's theoretical model of interacting constraints includes organismic (or individual), environmental, and task constraints describing the different endogenous and exogenous constraints individuals must overcome for movement and athletic performance. The unique task constraints imposed during dance will be used as a model to justify an isolated joint, single-targeted block progression training to improve physical capacity within the context of motor behavior to enhance dance-specific SSC performance. The suggested ankle-specific block progression consists of isometrics, dynamic constant external resistance, accentuated eccentrics, and plyometrics. Such programming tactics intend to collectively induce tendon remodeling, muscle hypertrophy, greater maximal strength, improved rate of force development, increased motor unit firing rates, and enhanced dynamic movement performance. The current perspective provides a dualistic approach and justification (physiological and motor behavioral) for specific strength and conditioning programming strategies. We propose implementation of a single-targeted block progression program, inspired by Newell's theoretical model of interacting constraints, may elicit positive training adaptations in a directed manner in this population. The application of Newell's theoretical model in the context of a strength and conditioning supports development of musculoskeletal properties and control and is conceptually applicable to a range of athletes.
Highlights
Traditional team sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball involve running, jumping, throwing, and kicking tasks that are afforded numerous degrees of freedom through multiple joints
Training to enhance the organismic capabilities surrounding the ankle through enhanced MTU properties and neuromuscular capabilities should extend the affordances of a dancer to improve stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance even when movement solutions are constrained
We contend that dancers might benefit from single-targeted block progression of ankle-specific movements distinctly in comparison to “traditional training” for improvements in dance-specific SSC performance and potential for reduced risk of injury
Summary
Traditional team sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball involve running, jumping, throwing, and kicking tasks that are afforded numerous degrees of freedom through multiple joints. The unique constraints in dance will serve as a model to justify an isolated joint, single-targeted block progression training to improve physical capacity in the context of motor behavior to enhance dance-specific stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance (via increased height or distance leaped). Training to enhance the organismic capabilities surrounding the ankle through enhanced MTU properties and neuromuscular capabilities should extend the affordances of a dancer to improve SSC performance even when movement solutions are constrained.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
