middleway wrote:The physical changes might be adaptive and not the most significant contributory change - maybe the effects are more about repatterning and reprogamming how the mind is directing and using the body. maybe at the heart of it it's more like learning a technique than "s&c" but rather the technique is one of how to use the body in an inherently different way, which in this case would translate to giving it a developed attribute. The body has some natural levels of elastic quality anyway. That can be enhanced with the specific training but perhaps what it being most enhanced are the way we choose (direct ourselves) to move, use and train the body to manifest; to issue, and act and react to incoming forces. That's not to say 'it's all in the mind', but my hunch would be that the main cause and contributor to an elastic effect is more mental change in repatterning body movement/reactions, than a measurable physical body change. Any physical measurements I've seen around elasticity have only ever shown small increases.
Absolutely, I put Neurology first in list is that it is a massive part of the 'speed' and 'elasticity' puzzle. As you mention the other parts are also likely contributing factors. Muscle responds relatively quickly to demands, so a change here is likely the first 'cab out of the rank' in terms of tissue repatterning.
Everything,
Looking into the Stretch Shortening Cycle is a good plan to understand a bit about elasticity and springiness.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/stretch-shortening-cycle/
A very good coach to check out is Nick Curson at Speed of sport and also the Marinovich system in general. They have a pretty proven track record of increasing athletes speed and explosivness. Nick Curson did a good interview with Joe Rogan on his podcast where he delves into how he trains fighters.
thanks.
Thanks a lot for all this information. It's very interesting. From a theoretical point of view, I'm just very curious about it. From a practical point of view, as a recreational, middle-aged athlete, I think I've improved in technical aspects, but physically, it's getting harder and harder to use speed, agility, etc. However, doing some training exercises seems like it will slow this kind of decline, so definitely want to work on it. Being able to have some decent movement is of course a joy in itself.