tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202165812024-03-24T05:29:25.280+11:00The MyoQuip Blog - rugby & strength sports, variable resistance strength equipment<b>Information on MyoQuip's uniquely innovative strength equipment. Commentary on rugby football, other strength-oriented sports and sport-specific accommodating resistance technology.</b>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-46598649241003282412012-06-13T18:40:00.001+10:002012-06-13T18:40:14.319+10:00Gloucester & Worcester Rugby Clubs choose MyoQuip strength equipment<a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/index.php">Gen3 Kinematics</a> are delighted to announce they have agreed deals with both Worcester Warriors and Gloucester Rugby to supply them with their unique <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> strength training systems. <span class="fullpost"><br />Gen3's Chief Executive, Alasdair Naisbitt says: "With nearly half of the Aviva Premiership now using MyoQuip technology, as well as the England national team, we are sure to see the benefits associated with our equipment increasing every season. Exeter have been leading that charge, having been the first to take it on when they were promoted 2 years ago. Their progress in that time has been nothing short of phenomenal."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsYXyJjfQK4s-KPrE_fUk-vHHetiBIHeOQiLvKhYoWS3_nJuKA9n_dyopMp5H8HsR15avE2OYtiSUbArTyyWKP6ggfLu4icO_IzSNcCLWoCOslsZRm0sOsvDX1nJZEonDxWZV/s1600/worcester_warriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsYXyJjfQK4s-KPrE_fUk-vHHetiBIHeOQiLvKhYoWS3_nJuKA9n_dyopMp5H8HsR15avE2OYtiSUbArTyyWKP6ggfLu4icO_IzSNcCLWoCOslsZRm0sOsvDX1nJZEonDxWZV/s320/worcester_warriors.jpg" width="198" /></a> Gen3 Kinematics is thrilled that they will be associated with two of the strongest teams in English rugby. Business development manager, Andy Naisbitt says: "We are delighted to achieve deals with both Gloucester and Worcester. It is great to have the recognition from these clubs to the benefits they have received through the use of our equipment."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGtvuMMslcJ3mhheZr7rkg3YeLR4xR3opX8yMZvg07qi4Dx49eXGUb92slCWCnSmcNt1yqjdXvhoV8GqHl5iZUBl3q69iJu9Jv04y079K4mIrqeiGrEFK0vBgX2-Fr2CVqj3X/s1600/gloucester_crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGtvuMMslcJ3mhheZr7rkg3YeLR4xR3opX8yMZvg07qi4Dx49eXGUb92slCWCnSmcNt1yqjdXvhoV8GqHl5iZUBl3q69iJu9Jv04y079K4mIrqeiGrEFK0vBgX2-Fr2CVqj3X/s320/gloucester_crest.jpg" width="270" /></a>The MyoTruk and MyoThrusta utilise unique state-of-the-art technology that eliminates biomechanical disadvantage in the lower limb triple extension movement, leading to safer and more effective strength training.<br /><br />For further information please email: <a href="mailto:info@gen3kinematics.com">info@gen3kinematics.com</a> (Europe) or <a href="mailto:info@myoquip.com.au">info@myoquip.com.au</a> (Australia)</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-12882038716350521582012-05-29T19:31:00.000+10:002012-05-29T19:31:54.470+10:00MyoThrusta used with elastic bandsThe video below shows a <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> being used in single-legged mode at the Sydney Uni gymnasium. Note the use of additional elastic bands connecting the weight bar to the machine frame. These are designed to increase tension as the exerciser moves to full leg extension. <span class="fullpost"></span><br />
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The MyoThrusta is being operated by Tom Shaw, a member of <a href="http://www.sydneyunirugby.com.au/">Sydney University Rugby Club</a>'s Colts squad. Players in the EDS (Elite Development Squad) program such as Tom maintain a heavy weight training program year round, making extensive use of the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/">MyoQuip</a> MyoThrusta and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> for the development of lower body strength and muscle mass.</div>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-89408825024943295212012-05-24T00:46:00.000+10:002012-05-24T07:29:51.617+10:00Groin injury rehab using the MyoThrusta – a case study from rugbyGroin injuries are a common and frustrating problem for rugby players, frequently involving extended periods out of the game followed by further time in getting back to full match fitness. The <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/">MyoQuip</a> <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> offers the prospect of accelerated recovery of functionality and strength while the body is repairing. The MyoThrusta is a unique type of leg press which combines a supine body position with accommodating resistance giving the exerciser effective loading and muscle fibre recruitment through the whole range of movement. Intensive use of this apparatus enabled Sam Jeffries to get back on the playing field in time to be selected in the Australian Under 20 Squad which is about to travel to South Africa for the World Championships<br /><br />
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Sam Jeffries moved from Brisbane prior to the 2011 season to join the Sydney University Rugby Club. During that season he missed the majority of matches due to groin pain and then had to have shoulder surgery last October. This combination of injured areas would have made it extremely difficult to do off-season strength training using conventional exercises. Staff from Sydney University’s Physical Preparation Department and Sports Clinic combined to develop an integrated rehab strategy focussed on the MyoThrusta, Physiotherapist Elias Boukarim explained:<br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"Under the supervision of medical and strength and conditioning staff, Sam worked hard with daily rehabilitation exercises and regular physiotherapy treatments. His training volume was monitored closely and gradually increased until he was able to return to play in May 2012."</span></em><br />
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Strength and conditioning coaches Tim Leahy and Dr Tristan Sharp drew attention to the difficulties Sam’s case presented:<br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"With Sam’s multiple injuries the prescription of appropriate resistance training was a challenge. A large focus was placed on the concept of specificity, whereby the aim of Sam’s training was to match the appropriate metabolic and biomechanical characteristics of the sport of rugby union. This would thereby create an adaptation to appropriate metabolic systems in addition to duplicating joint velocity and angular movement associated to his positional requirements on field.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"Traditional lower body lifts such as the squat primarily strengthen the hips, thigh and back musculature. However, as a result of Sam`s groin pain and shoulder injury, physical adaptations from exercises such as the dead lift and squat were not applicable due to the lack of load on or the positional placement of the barbell. This is where the MyoQuip MyoThrusta was instrumental in providing Sam with an effective lower body strength workout. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"The MyoThrusta placed Sam in a neutral spine and pelvis position, in addition to providing his shoulder with a stable base of support. Initially, his workouts were bilateral, focussing on the triple extension of the hip, knee and ankle joints. As Sam’s groin pain subsided, unilateral work was introduced to mimic the single leg angular movement and joint velocity often experienced during power lifts and on-field activities. The unique loading system of the MyoThrusta enabled Sam to experience a variety of joint and muscular loads through a wide range of motion, without compromising his current injuries. Appropriate sets and repetitions were manipulated to develop an array of physical and metabolic adaptations."</span></em><br />
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Sam acknowledged that the MyoThrusta was the key to him coming back this season in such good condition that Australian Under 20 selectors included him in the squad after watching him play just 20 minutes of his comeback game. <em><span style="color: blue;">“The MyoThrusta enabled me to keep doing lower body resistance work right through my rehab. Initially I was using both legs but taking most of the load on the uninjured side. When I started doing single leg movements at first I was using less weight and only a restricted range of movement on the injured side, but I gradually built up to full strength with both legs.” </span></em><br />
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When he left Brisbane’s Nudgee College at the end of 2009 Sam weighed just 89kg at a height of 196cm. Now after a year and a half of Sydney Uni Rugby’s very intensive strength-focussed training which utilises both the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and MyoThrusta, he weighs a lean 120kg and stands 201cm, impressive measurements for a young lock. Unusually, before being selected in the Australian Under 20 squad, he had played no representative rugby and was only in the Second XV at school.<br />
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<br /><a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/">Gen3 Kinematics</a> is happy to announce that they are to continue their relationship with England Rugby to supply them with their unique <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> for the forthcoming Barbarians game.<br /><br />Having used it previously throughout the 2012 6 Nations series, England have once again requested the use of the machine, having been impressed with the benefits it brings.<br />
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England tour South Africa this summer where they will likely face players who have experience of <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/">MyoQuip</a> Technology from clubs such as the Natal Sharks and the Golden Lions.<br />
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The MyoTruk utilises unique technology that eliminates biomechanical disadvantage in the lower limb triple extension movement, leading to safer and more effective strength training.<br />
For further information please email: <a href="mailto:info@gen3kinematics.com">info@gen3kinematics.com</a> (Europe) or <a href="mailto:info@myoquip.com.au">info@myoquip.com.au</a> (Australia)Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-25150329284304350382012-05-09T23:02:00.000+10:002012-05-09T23:02:56.970+10:00MyoQuip-using Exeter Chiefs consolidate their Aviva Rugby Premiership position<span class="fullpost">The <a href="http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/">Exeter Chiefs</a> have just completed a very successful second season in the <a href="http://www.premiershiprugby.com/">Aviva Rugby Premiership</a>, building on their 8th position in 2010-2011 to finish 5th and earn a place in the <a href="http://www.ercrugby.com/">Heineken Cup</a> competition next season.</span><br />
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When the Chiefs were promoted into the Aviva Premiership in season 2010-2011 they were widely tipped to be a one season wonder.They faced a difficult transition to the premier league with no time to buy in players to strengthen their squad and the need to adapt quickly to the greater physicality and speed of play in the top competition.<br />
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Fortunately in June 2010 Paddy Anson, Head of Strength and Conditioning with the Chiefs, visited the UK Strength and Conditioning Association Conference where <a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/">Gen3 Kinematics</a> were exhibiting the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/">MyoQuip</a> range of strength equipment which they had just began manufacturing. Anson was impressed by what he saw and ordered both the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a>. The Exeter players took to their new grunt toys with such enthusiasm that Gen3 were compelled to make a couple of modifications to the machines to ensure that they would stand up to the pounding they were receiving from the men from the West Country. During that first season Paddy Anson said:<br />
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"We are really pleased with the performance gains that the players have achieved through using Gen3's MyoQuip equipment. Our testing scores have been consistently good by all of the players and the guys are now fitter and stronger than ever. We use their equipment heavily in our programmes and It has definitely helped us improve our performances as we continue to progress in the Premiership. I would recommend Gen3's MyoQuip equipment to anyone."<br />
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Reviewing that season Paddy acknowledged that the MyoQuip machines played a pivotal role in dramatically improving the strength and conditioning of the squad. Significantly they resulted in greater leg strength and driving power for both forwards and backs without any reduction in speed - crucial in top class rugby where backs can play like forwards and to cross the gain line you have to be more powerful and stronger. They also reduced the risk of injury in training. One clearly observable benefit was the fact that Exeter were equal top in the competition in terms of points scored in the last 20 minutes of matches.<br />
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The Chiefs have pursued a deliberate strategy of building strong links with local colleges and with Exeter University. The University's Director of Rugby, Keith Fleming, feels the success of the Exeter Chiefs has given a big boost to Exeter University Rugby. It used to run 3 rugby sides and now runs 9 and rugby has become the biggest club in the Athletic Union overtaking football.<br />
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Keith says, "The University can provide the Chiefs with a ready made pool of talent." To strengthen this pathway the Exeter University Sports Association has bought the same MyoQuip equipment as used by the Chiefs for its High Performance Gym, which has recently been expanded.<br />
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"By mirroring the equipment used by the Chiefs - especially the strength and conditioning equipment - we can do the same type of exercises and achieve the speed, strength and power results to meet the Chief's standards which should also reflect in our BUSA performances. It's a win, win association", says Keith.<br />
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At the recent Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards the Exeter Chiefs received two awards. Head Coach Rob Baxter was named QBE Director of Rugby for the season while winger Gonzalo Carnacho was declared Gatorade Game Changer of the season, an award based on official statistics for all players such as metres gained, number of carries, turnovers won, and tackles made.<br />
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One of the Chiefs' signings for next season is the 33-Test Wallaby Dean Mumm. Dean should have no difficulty working out with the MyoTruk and Myothrusta as he has been a member of the very successful Sydney University Football Club for the past 10 years. The Sydney University gymnasium is where the MyoQuip machines were first developed and tested.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-24486315558330935612012-05-03T18:15:00.000+10:002012-05-03T20:02:59.520+10:00MyoQuip-using clubs to contest Heineken and Amlin Cup Finals<span class="fullpost">European rugby clubs which have installed <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/" target="_blank">MyoQuip</a> machines, the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html" target="_blank">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html" target="_blank">MyoThrusta</a>, have had stunning success in reaching the Finals of prestigious Cup competitions this season.</span><br />
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The Heineken Cup Final will be an all Irish affair between Ulster and Leinster. Two other Clubs which are MyoQuip users, Exeter and Toulon, have qualified for next year's Heineken Cup.<br />
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French Clubs, Toulon and Biarritz, will meet in the Final of the Amlin European Challenge Cup. Exeter were quarter finalists in this competition meaning that 3 of the top 8 teams use MyoQuip machines as the basis of their lower body strength training.<br />
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All of these clubs were supplied by MyoQuip's European manufacturer/distributors, <a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/" target="_blank">Gen3 Kinematics</a>. The sales to Toulon and Biarritz were made by Paul Dearlove who distributes MyoQuip machines throughout France.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-31793600620966309592012-05-03T18:09:00.000+10:002012-05-03T18:09:48.061+10:00British cyclists pursue Olympic Gold with the MyoThrusta<span class="fullpost">In early March <a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/">Gen3 Kinematics</a> announced that British Cycling would be using the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/">MyoQuip</a> <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> lying leg press in preparation for the London Olympics.</span><br />
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Track cycling is expected to be one of the sports in which Britain excels at the Games, continuing a fierce rivalry with Australia. At the World Track Cycling Championships held in Melbourne last month Britain and Australia each won 6 gold medals. All other countries competing shared the remaining 7 gold medals. Between them Britain and Australia secured 28 out of the 57 gold, silver and bronze medals awarded, or 49%, with the host nation inching out Britain because of winning 2 more silver medals. On home soil for the Olympics Britain will be hoping to secure the upper hand.<br />
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In track cycling times are recorded to the thousandth of a second and winning margins can be extremely small. Not surprisingly national teams continually search for apparatus, equipment and techniques capable of giving them the slightest edge in performance.<br />
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The MyoThrusta is the world's most advanced form of leg press with particular application for rehabilitation. It is ideal for use by elite level cyclists whose training involves extreme intensity work undertaken in an unnaturally cramped skeletal position. The MyoThrusta is the only strength builder for the leg extensors providing an appropriate level of muscle activation throughout the exercise movement from extreme flexion to full extension.<br />
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Its unique technology ensures high-range muscle fibre recruitment over the full range of limb movement without imposing any adverse loading on the spine, hips or knees, all of which are of course of vital concern to cyclists.<br />
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<br />Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-73814298591942254052011-07-13T08:41:00.000+10:002011-07-13T08:41:47.535+10:00MyoQuip medals at Henley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsMmYfwMEubXWTr2YQaWWCdp2fEEyz5wkNi86z9xAI1VyUmqQuLLhseHeBDUUVukYYiC7T1Pi-4taa4gUznntvmwwXa978xpPoPYjymXFZnpPkn2QRm76OeNLAZlFfakxDiDI/s1600/myoquip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsMmYfwMEubXWTr2YQaWWCdp2fEEyz5wkNi86z9xAI1VyUmqQuLLhseHeBDUUVukYYiC7T1Pi-4taa4gUznntvmwwXa978xpPoPYjymXFZnpPkn2QRm76OeNLAZlFfakxDiDI/s200/myoquip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The 2011 Henley Royal Regatta concluded with outstanding performances by rowers who had extensively used MyoQuip machines in their training.<br />
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Nick Hudson of the Sydney University Boat Club reached the final of the prestigious Diamond Challenge Sculls, while London Rowing Club had two crews competing on the final day. Their top coxless four won the Wyfold Challenge Cup while their top coxed four were runners-up in the Britannia Challenge Cup. The picture at left shows the Wyfold winning crew exhibiting typical English constraint after crossing the finish line.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUjk4OZN47ZUiS18NZz4DD8q75W9Puz9TpCYuwzBN_TYfjTGLcodb1YMN7IXviflCp-wKI8Wh3b2TSc1iu4GPEuhSiar0yJFwJUIhfmHDDBBIiYKbFwRSGJdAi500c-Nijlio/s1600/Wyfold+winners+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUjk4OZN47ZUiS18NZz4DD8q75W9Puz9TpCYuwzBN_TYfjTGLcodb1YMN7IXviflCp-wKI8Wh3b2TSc1iu4GPEuhSiar0yJFwJUIhfmHDDBBIiYKbFwRSGJdAi500c-Nijlio/s400/Wyfold+winners+2011.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
The link between all of these rowers is Phil Bourguignon, senior coach at London Rowing Club and previously Director of Rowing at the University of Sydney. Bourguignon has pioneered the use of MyoQuip apparatus in strength training for rowers.<br />
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Both the London Rowing Club and the Sydney University Boat Club have the <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> machines in their gyms, and Phil Bourguignon is an enthusiastic proponent of their use:<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">"With rowing heavily involving the legs and core muscles, squatting alone provide many problematic issues such as an athlete not being able to support heavy weights through their core muscles. MyoQuip systems can do the extra weights without worrying about the core muscles, which provides more strength gain without the worries of injuries to the back.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> "When athletes get too strong for their skeletal frame and core stability in squatting, they can use the MyoThrusta and the MyoTruk to increase strength safely where they can add far more weight than they are able to squat without the risk of injuring their back.</span></b><br style="color: blue;" /><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">"After a long session on the water, backs are fatigued. Therefore, squatting after rowing is very dangerous. With the use of the MyoThrusta and the MyoTruk systems, athletes can still do their heavy weights after a long and hard session on the water.</span><br style="color: blue;" /><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br style="color: blue;" /><span style="color: blue;"> "From my use with the MyoThrusta and the MyoTruk systems, I employ them heavily in my training programmes with athletes rowing at elite levels. I have not had one back injury to my athletes in 2 years of heavy training."</span></b> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.subc.org.au/gallery/images/1309728373_Ed%20and%20Phil%20Henley%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.subc.org.au/gallery/images/1309728373_Ed%20and%20Phil%20Henley%2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The picture at right shows the spectacularly colour-coordinated Phil Bourguignon with Ed Noel, part of the Sydney University contingent at Henley. Phil has teamed a London Rowing Club blazer and cap with a Sydney University Boat Club tie.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-63793838196677811192011-06-11T15:32:00.000+10:002011-06-11T15:32:26.250+10:00MyoQuip makes its first sale of the MyoTruk in FranceTop 14 rugby club Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (BOPS) has ordered a <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> through MyoQuip's French distributor, Paul Dearlove (pictured). Paul is also captain of Section Paloise (Pau Rugby Club) which plays in the Pro D2 French League. The machine is being supplied through the MyoQuip manufacturing distributor for Europe, <a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/index.php">Gen3 Kinematics</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRThVCEOSflD5VHs6g1dWdV_Li5UsAbgUYvb4nkEzeoV_Vnl4K2xPMMEzcRRIVexfkKhvARD1JuoS1T-o4tZHfZy_DPgN25jciY8M1-b8GnStR3iAnq2QYjq0OMisCJ4zfqxG/s1600/Paul+Dearlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRThVCEOSflD5VHs6g1dWdV_Li5UsAbgUYvb4nkEzeoV_Vnl4K2xPMMEzcRRIVexfkKhvARD1JuoS1T-o4tZHfZy_DPgN25jciY8M1-b8GnStR3iAnq2QYjq0OMisCJ4zfqxG/s320/Paul+Dearlove.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-15555996896591070812011-05-31T07:04:00.000+10:002011-05-31T07:04:02.368+10:00Todd Louden endorses MyoQuip technologyTodd Louden is a young professional rugby coach with the extraordinary record of having dramatically improved the performance of his team in every year he has coached.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sydneyunirugby.com.au/the-club/Staff-Committee/Todd_LoudenLR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Todd Louden" border="0" height="345" src="http://www.sydneyunirugby.com.au/the-club/Staff-Committee/Todd_LoudenLR.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />
As a player he represented Australia at Schoolboy and Under 21 levels. He then taught and coached rugby at Waverley College and Trinity Grammar School in Sydney for over ten years before becoming a professional coach.<br />
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In 2004, as Director of Rugby at Sydney University, he implemented their EDS (Elite Development Squad) program which is still operating and is the foundation for their status as the leading club in Australia. In that year, Uni won the Sydney Club Championship with all nine grades contesting the finals.<br />
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In the 2004-2005 season, he was Head Coach of Meiji University, which participates in Japan’s 120 Collegiate Rugby Program. Louden took them from 68th to the top eight.<br />
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In 2006, he returned to Sydney as Head Coach of the Randwick Club. Their First XV advanced from ninth to Minor Premiers. They were narrowly beaten in the Grand Final and Louden was named Sydney Premiership Coach of the Year.<br />
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The next season he moved to South Africa as attack coach with Heineke Meyer’s Blue Bulls, who went from fifth to winning the Super 14. They were the first South African team to win a Super title, with their success attributed to their new attacking style.<br />
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In 2008, he was appointed attack coach of the NSW Waratahs under Ewen McKenzie. The ‘Tahs went from thirteenth in 2007 to second before being beaten in the Grand Final.<br />
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In the 2008-2009 season he went back to Japan as Head Coach of the Ricoh Black Rams, who had been relegated to Second Division status. Under Louden’s guidance, Ricoh were undefeated in the Top East League and then beat the winners of the other two second level leagues to achieve reinstatement to the Top League. In their first season back Ricoh finished 12th, and then in 2010-2011 achieved 7th placing, the team’s highest ever ranking in the Top League.<br />
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Todd Louden has the extraordinary record that in each of the past seven years the teams he coached have greatly improved their ranking. He has now returned to Sydney University to take on the role of Head Coach.<br />
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His views on MyoQuip technology:<br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"I have utilised the MyoQuip machines to accelerate the players' strength and power development in both professional and amateur environments."</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"Whilst the MyoQuip machines operating principles are scientifically advanced, the functionality of all machines is simple, safe and can be utilised across an array of athlete specific exercises to accelerate athletic development."</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">"The athletic development and injury rehabilitation that we have been able to achieve safely and within a short period of time has been phenomenal. The MyoQuip machines are a must in any holistic development program. I cannot endorse them strongly enough."</span></em>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-7467813631988161542011-05-26T20:05:00.000+10:002011-05-26T20:05:10.820+10:00Preview of a new machine in the MyoQuip range<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8Qt5oStAS7H2Ayo5NXvegK3IAq7pyDtaEQ0tMQl5BX7oeUT5_-E9wHr1kORT3cJ2E2ucHO8cQeAHfXtIb-YTdG57ow_aigfnEKp_-ECM-tU4DdlKwg1rUQPLLnc3lgbQXw5D/s1600/MyoLifta+Graphic2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8Qt5oStAS7H2Ayo5NXvegK3IAq7pyDtaEQ0tMQl5BX7oeUT5_-E9wHr1kORT3cJ2E2ucHO8cQeAHfXtIb-YTdG57ow_aigfnEKp_-ECM-tU4DdlKwg1rUQPLLnc3lgbQXw5D/s320/MyoLifta+Graphic2.gif" t8="true" width="360" /></a></div><span class="fullpost"></span><br />
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This is the first image of the MyoLifta, a revolutionary new machine specifically developed for the sport of rugby football. It is designed to improve the lifting ability of players lifting and supporting jumpers in the lineout. It can be operated singly or by two players working together.<br />
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More details and images will be available very shortly.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-48226089265376259702011-02-24T20:50:00.000+11:002011-02-24T20:50:08.220+11:00Gen3 Kinematics land deal with Irish Rugby Union<span class="fullpost">The introduction by Gen3 Kinematics of their MyoQuip strength training systems has been further strengthened by the announcement that they have agreed a deal with the Irish Rugby Union to supply them with their MyoTruk strength training systems.</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
With the deal meaning Ulster Rugby, Munster Rugby and Leinster Rugby will receive the benefits of the unique MyoTruk, Gen3 Kinematics are delighted that they will be associated with three of the strongest teams in European rugby.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/Gen3_ADV_Nov10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" l6="true" src="http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/Gen3_ADV_Nov10.gif" width="320" /></a></div>The MyoTruk represents a completely unique piece of equipment that is the most significant change in strength training in 40 years providing increased muscle activation throughout a full range of movement from extreme flexion to full extension.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-62123811189889729182011-02-20T21:56:00.000+11:002011-02-20T21:56:50.204+11:00The development of rugby wingersWingers are the cast-offs from a process of natural selection.<br />
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The process starts at the most junior age levels. Boys end up on the wings because they are the last ones chosen, basically because they are weedy and frightened of body contact. Usually they are safely out of the way there because the Under-8s play angry ant rugby where all the players swarm around the ball except for the wingers who sense there is danger there. They stand close to the sidelines where they can keep eye contact with their mummies who wave encouragement to them from time to time. By contrast their fathers either pretend they don't know them or yell abuse at them for their refusal to tackle. Tiny wingers also like to kick grass.<br />
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As they progress through the age ranks they occasionally receive the ball. Here the primeval "fight or flight" instinct kicks in. Wingers being congenitally under-endowed at the "fight" end of the spectrum are compensated by having a heightened aptitude for "flight". So they run. They run like gazelles away from a hungry lion. They can cover enormous distances laterally often traversing from sideline to sideline with no loss of momentum until someone stops chasing them.<br />
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When they mature they are expected to do just two things on the rugby field. The first is to catch the ball. But they have been programmed to associate having the ball with being chased. So their natural reaction is to drop it.<br />
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They are also expected to chase kicks. But they have not grasped the concept of running towards something, only to run from something. With nobody chasing them they see no reason to hurry.<br />
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It is off the field where they perform their most useful service. Late at night, primped and perfumed, they lure groupies away from serious rugby players who are engaged in the necessary business of re-analysing scrums and mauls and sinking piss.<br />
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One should never confuse the rat cunning of the winger with intelligence.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-72594035450942379382010-12-09T06:56:00.002+11:002010-12-09T07:11:20.617+11:00Myoquip Myotruk Resistance Training Machine<div style="text-align: center;">by Tom Carter</div><br />
(Article adapted from an assignment submitted in the course, Applied Biomechanics in Strength and Conditioning, in the Masters of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) program at Edith Cowan University)<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Abstract</span></strong><br />
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The MyoTruk accommodating resistance machine promotes strength and power training development for the muscle groups responsible for triple extension. The MyoTruk, one of MyoQuip's “Myo-” range of strength equipment, embodies direct-linkage force transmission and replaces the ScrumTruk. Since its introduction in 2004 the ScrumTruk has been routinely used for enhancing the basic strength, muscle mass and explosiveness of rugby union players of all levels and ages. This paper examines the MyoTruk and its capacity to facilitate strength, power and speed development, whilst concurrently comparing it to traditional weight training exercises such as variations of the squat and Olympic type lifts. It examines the MyoTruk’s capacity to enhance the physiological capacities of athletes within the game of rugby union.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Kinematic features and performance characteristics of the MyoTruk</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></strong><br />
MyoQuip’s mission is to develop fundamentally innovative resistance training equipment with a particular focus on lower body power and core stability development. Each individual machine embodies Broad Biomechanical Correspondence (BBC) technology with a specific focus upon:<br />
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1. Strength development exercises that promote the kinematics of triple extension<br />
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2. The activation and strengthening of specific muscle groups throughout the entire range of motion<br />
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3. The development of speed and power capacities specific to particular sports.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiungIlZsOwF900W1gLn2zyRc6H54FTTrsMh5u3WR9RxWwaU4S4O_BJVerHh1F3sgPSGR5oUMcDOJF3-JO6Iyr0T0ZcEdX0hoC99L71XI1ljeKu6Jyh_r01G9cU9RI_N6nxWSYi/s1600/MyoTruk+Graphic+reduced.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiungIlZsOwF900W1gLn2zyRc6H54FTTrsMh5u3WR9RxWwaU4S4O_BJVerHh1F3sgPSGR5oUMcDOJF3-JO6Iyr0T0ZcEdX0hoC99L71XI1ljeKu6Jyh_r01G9cU9RI_N6nxWSYi/s320/MyoTruk+Graphic+reduced.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Figure 1: <i>The MyoQuip MyoTruk triple extension strength/power training machine</i></div><br />
The two most critically distinguishing features of the MyoTruk are the horizontal pushing position of the athlete and the use of MyoQuip's BBC technology, ensuring constantly increasing resistance throughout the range of the exercise movement.<br />
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The MyoTruk is a very effective strength and power training alternative and/or complement to the barbell squat in building strength in the gluteal, hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups. In addition to its unique consistent resistance training throughout range the MyoTruk also reduces the compressional forces on lower back that can be attained at times by traditional squatting exercises.(4) Figure 2 below illustrates the biomechanical starting position of the MyoTruk. The hip and knee joint starting angles are able to be adjusted to below 90° if a greater range of movement is desired, but as discussed the integral component of the machine is the ability of the back and spine to maintain normal curvature. (24)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrfmlKkDlpZMUaRgDAbVSKwTzMJOC1p2ThZFiyTpD2OYY4RAHXA0XUcQiBIVtn-FFkJZWuhr3rHo0V4irMWo829EP4scyeGzY0Pha-n5SLb9fM_9PF2lg6X0i6ERPScsDcb3S/s1600/Wall_chart_image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrfmlKkDlpZMUaRgDAbVSKwTzMJOC1p2ThZFiyTpD2OYY4RAHXA0XUcQiBIVtn-FFkJZWuhr3rHo0V4irMWo829EP4scyeGzY0Pha-n5SLb9fM_9PF2lg6X0i6ERPScsDcb3S/s640/Wall_chart_image.png" width="576" /></a></div>Figure 2: <i>Kinematic and biomechanical features of the MyoTruk - Tom Carter demonstrating starting position for the MyoQuip MyoTruk - note back and shins parallel to ground - hip and knee joint angles at 90º (25)</i><br />
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Figure 3 below illustrates the functional benefits of the MyoTruk as the extension position facilitates the demands of many sports, in particular football codes where extensor strength plays an integral role in the development of speed, power and force characteristics. The triple extension position is able to be attained without the same risks associated with conventional resistance exercise. This perspective is elaborated upon further on within the article.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcpYpt7gMsER11WjnaOnkNe3e3uo-StJ1jPRkGOu7XV4BnneaExiAOeZ2X8vdy_aVDYvJSr2IiQxFMYeL3m0B6cCmJ8wfG_zq4ZcwvHoWHrtYsyrf4VzJkjpbKoUK0v16O_h9/s1600/ScrumTruk+outdoor+extension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcpYpt7gMsER11WjnaOnkNe3e3uo-StJ1jPRkGOu7XV4BnneaExiAOeZ2X8vdy_aVDYvJSr2IiQxFMYeL3m0B6cCmJ8wfG_zq4ZcwvHoWHrtYsyrf4VzJkjpbKoUK0v16O_h9/s640/ScrumTruk+outdoor+extension.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Figure 3: <i>Tom Carter demonstrating full extension on the MyoQuip MyoTruk - hip and knee joint angles change at same rate. No adverse consequences from attempting to use excessive weight - athlete cannot be trapped under heavy load unlike barbell squat or 45° leg press </i>(25)<br />
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The horizontal trunk position stimulates co-contraction of the stabilising muscles of the pelvic and abdominal regions whilst simultaneously providing full-range effective activation of leg extensors from start to complete lock-out.(25) Further, the synchronicity of hip and knee joint angles ensures appropriate distribution of effort between gluteus maximus and quadriceps muscles through extension phases and gluteus and hamstrings during eccentric re-loading phases. The final functional characteristic of the MyoTruk resistance machine is strong activation of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf during significant dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the ankle joint.(25)<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MyoTruk’s influence on speed and power development </span></strong><br />
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From a training safety and injury prevention perspective the main mechanical advantage of the MyoTruk compared to squat variations lies in its ability to facilitate below parallel (<90º) resistant training throughout range of motion. Compared to the “sticking point” encountered in squat movements, which often occurs at periods when the lifter is moving from a horizontal thigh position through the sticking point (approximately 30º above horizontal).(19,20) The tendency with the squat for excessive trunk lean predominantly occurs at the lowest point of the squat, when the angle at the hip joint is significantly less than at the knee joint.(20) The great difficulty often facing athletes and their coaches is the ability to develop strength and power through range in the lower body with minimal potential of injury occurring.(10)<br />
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Triple extension movements in resistance training can be defined as those that involve the extension of the three major joints: hip, knee, and ankle. These three joints, when moved from the flexed to extended position create the explosiveness needed to apply force with the feet against the ground.(8) Extension movements facilitate the main factor involved in the generation of explosive strength. As such it is widely believed that the triple extension is the most important physiological component for enhanced speed-strength training and development. Speed-strength training is a combination of maximum speed and maximum strength, which combined can produce a tremendous amount of force. This force is what we want on the playing field when the foot hits the ground.(8) This has practical applications to sports specific elements such as running the ball into contact in the game of rugby union.<br />
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Traditionally it has been proposed that Olympic lifting exercises such as the snatch and clean and jerk variations facilitated the greatest development of triple extension.<br />
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Roman and Shakirzyanov (1978) proposed that:<br />
<blockquote>The explosion during an Olympic lifting exercise is executed by the simultaneous action of the muscles of the legs and torso… From this position, the athlete extends his legs and torso and rises up onto his toes and…the shoulders are elevated…Such a position is the most advantageous condition for maximal utilization of the participating muscle groups and the subsequent transfer to the barbell upward.(21)</blockquote><br />
However the MyoTruk resistance-training machine provides a significant and contemporary alternative to the traditional Olympic lifting methods which have been proposed to enhance triple extension. Not only does the MyoTruk enhance triple extension with increased efficiency of movement; it involves a significantly less intensive time period spent learning complex movement patterns that occur in Olympic weightlifting exercises. The MyoTruk facilitates triple extension development both through traditional strength training paradigms and also dynamically without the same impacts on time limitations of the athlete and coach, the central nervous system and the musculosketal system.<br />
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When developing speed and power the muscles of the hip extensors are of the most critical importance because they are usually the weak links in the large majority of athletes.(3) These muscle groups, in particular the glutes, hamstrings, and those of the lower back, are specifically targeted and developed by the MyoTruk. The primary goal of maximal strength exercises is to increase the force or strength producing capabilities of muscles. Through developing strength with various speeds throughout range of motion, the athlete has a subsequent increase in the contractual force producing capabilities of the muscles that are involved in the movement and consequent sporting performance.(3) The MyoTruk allows consistent resistance to be moved throughout range and as such has significant sports specific and functional training connotations. Heavy resistance training results in increases in the contractile rate of force development (RFD), impulse and efferent neuromuscular drive of human skeletal muscle allowing for subsequent transformation into enhanced sports specific speed and power characteristics.(1)<br />
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A distinguishing characteristic of the MyoTruk in terms of strength training lies in its ability to be eccentrically controlled so efficiently throughout range whilst the athlete maintains normal lumbar curvature. This has further positive implications for the ability of the MyoTruk to generate strength and power development. Eccentric deceleration is integral in absorbing a load as well as enhancing the elastic potential of the muscle.(14) The elastic energy stored in the series elastic elements (which includes the tendons, the aponeuroses, cross-bridges, actin, myosin filaments and the giant protein Titin) in the eccentric phase is re-used during the concentric phase.(22)<br />
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<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sports specific connotations: the MyoTruk and the game of rugby union</span></strong><br />
<br />
Dynamic strength is defined as the maximal ability of a muscle to exert a force or torque at a specified velocity.(20) Explosive muscle strength can be defined as the rate of rise in contractile force at the onset of contraction.(1) Rugby union is a dynamic and explosive strength-based sport involving a significant number of collisions both in attack and defence. Successful performance in rugby union is significantly influenced by the physiological capabilities of the athlete; therefore performance can be significantly improved through the implementation of an effective resistance training program. An effective resistance training program should be run in conjunction with dynamic sport specific training. The ability to be able to produce force throughout time (impulse), possess dynamic strength capacities at contact situations and utilise a vast array of different speed attributes are all critical features within the game of rugby union. Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which heavy resistance strength training and ballistic plyometrics have the ability to positively interact with the force time curve and further enhance the strength attributes defined above:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzm0gKeXHkXQyajAeDcf6OLF3GrB8yrLSvHrlampXoAFLN2RcgsFdkyiARnRe43u8ubNbk_694_bGPT7EhXTD8rj1SEu5oBud87zd-xxMnbobByt11Sv7kd2qLuv522qJMplB/s1600/Carter_force_time.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzm0gKeXHkXQyajAeDcf6OLF3GrB8yrLSvHrlampXoAFLN2RcgsFdkyiARnRe43u8ubNbk_694_bGPT7EhXTD8rj1SEu5oBud87zd-xxMnbobByt11Sv7kd2qLuv522qJMplB/s640/Carter_force_time.png" width="576" /></a></div>Figure 4: <em>Isometric force: time curve indicating maximal strength, maximal rate of force development, and force at 200 ms for untrained, heavy-resistance strength-trained, and explosive-strength-trained subjects.(11,12)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
The MyoTruk resistance-training machine facilitates the development of maximal rate of force development (MFRD) through enhancing the dynamic and explosive strength capacities of the athlete. Through using the MyoTruk both ballistically and through a normal range of speed a variety of aspects along the force/time curve are able to be enhanced. The MyoTruk has the capacity to be used as a vehicle that can extend the force/time curve both vertically and horizontally improving a variety of capacities simultaneously and/or individually. Specifically regarding the game of rugby union, the greater the capacity of the athlete to produce force within the initial <150ms, the greater the ability to create advantageous situations. An enhanced ability to generate speed, power and forceful movements repeatedly over time provides a significant advantage both in attack and defence within a game.(23) This perspective is further enhanced with the continued development of such strong defensive systems and patterns within the modern game leading to the dominance of such orientated teams. However the ability to break these systems down through enhanced physiological capabilities provides a significant opportunity to greatly influence the nature of how the game of rugby union is actually played.(6) <br />
<br />
The development of maximal strength of both the agonist and antagonist muscle groups, particularly in the lower limbs is important within the game of rugby union.(26) The role of eccentric strength training in power development was mentioned previously but obviously the strength development of antagonist muscles should not be neglected for athletes who require rapid limb movements, as research suggests enhanced strengthening of the agonist muscles increases both limb speed and accuracy of movement as well as further enhancing positive alterations in the neural firing patterns.(14) This in conjunction with maximal strength training significantly enhances the capacity of the stretch-shorten cycle (SSC).(22) <br />
<br />
<br />
The MyoTruk effectively enhances power and speed development, and in particular the SSC, through the kinematic structure and motion of the machine not only through eccentric motion but more specifically for the ability to develop sport specific ballistic and explosive extensor strength development as previously discussed after a pre load effect and through a variety of different ranges (above or below 90º in thigh angle). This has practical applications for not only ball carrying and scrummaging facets within the game of rugby union but also at breakdown contests as well.<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><td>• Players covered on average 6,953 m during play (83 minutes). Of this distance, 37% (2,800 m) was spent standing and walking, 27% (1,900 m) jogging, 10% (700 m) cruising, 14% (990 m) striding, 5% (320 m) high-intensity running, and 6% (420 m) sprinting.<br />
<br />
• Greater running distances were observed for both players (6.7% backs; 10% forwards) in the second half of the game.<br />
<br />
• Positional data revealed that the backs performed a greater number of sprints (>20 km•h<sup>-1</sup>) than the forwards (34 vs. 19) during the game. Conversely, the forwards entered the lower speed zone (6-12 km•h<sup>-1</sup>) on a greater number of occasions than the backs (315 vs. 229) but spent less time standing and walking (66.5 vs. 77.8%)<br />
<br />
• Players were found to perform 87 moderate-intensity runs (>14 km•h<sup>-1</sup>) covering an average distance of 19.7 m (SD = 14.6). Average distances of 15.3 m (backs) and 17.3 m (forwards) were recorded for each sprint burst (>20 km•h<sup>-1</sup>), respectively.<br />
<br />
• Players exercised at <80 to 85% Vo2max during the course of the game with a mean heart rate of 172 b•min<sup>-1</sup> (<88% HRmax)<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Table 1: <em>The physiological demands of the game of Rugby Union</em> (5)</div><br />
<br />
Further, the kinematic motion of the MyoTruk has positive implications on the functional demands of sprinting within the game of rugby union (See Table 1 above) for detail on the physiological demands of the game. The speed at which a player begins to sprint can affect the body position with the game at certain times. Data shows that forwards perform 41% of all accelerations from a standing start, 21% from walking and only 6% from striding.(6) In order to maximise acceleration from a standing start, a low body position is needed. Therefore the ability to generate strength and force in a horizontal fashion throughout range of the exercise provides distinct functional advantages of forwards using the MyoTruk as a resistance-training machine in their particular athletic development. Backs have also been shown to perform 29% of all sprints from a standing start; however they also perform an average of 8 sprints more than forwards do from a striding start.(6) <br />
<br />
The ability to generate force off the mark and extensor strength is still critical and thus maximal strength properties obtained through use of the MyoTruk would benefit performance greatly. The type of start initiating the sprints can also affect different muscular recruitment patterns. Short sprints from a standing start involve the quadriceps muscles more and require high relative strength, whereas when a player approaches top speed the hamstrings are strongly recruited.(10) The nature of the game can also affect body positions in preparation to sprint. For example, using a blitz-like defence requires a low body position to maximise speed over 5-10 m. Reactive support play, however, requires a more vertical body position as the player is probably already maximally accelerating to keep pace with the attacking ball carrier.(6) <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">References</span></strong><br />
<br />
1. Aagaard, P and Andersen, J.L (1998) Correlation between contractile strength and myosin heavy chain isoform composition in human skeletal muscle. <em>Med Sci Sports Exerc</em> 30:1217-1222 <br />
<br />
<br />
2. Astorino, T. and Kravitz, L. (2001) Glycogen and Resistance Training. <em>IDEA Personal Trainer</em> No.4<br />
<br />
3. Baggett, K (2007). The Vertical Jump Development Bible. Higher Faster Sports, 3rd Edition. <br />
<br />
4. Campbell C. and Muncer, S.J (2005). The cause of low back pain: a network analysis. <em>Social Science and Medicine</em> 60:409–419. <br />
<br />
5. Cunniffe, B., Hore, A.J., Whitcombe, M.J., Jones, K.P., Baker, J.S and Davies, B. (2009). Time course of changes in immuneoendocrine markers following an international rugby game. <em>European Journal of Physiology</em><br />
<br />
6. Duthie, G.M., Pyne, D.B., Marsh, D.J. and Hooper, S.L. (2006). Sprint patterns in rugby union during competition. <em>J Strength Cond Res</em>. 20(1):208-14.<br />
<br />
7. El-Abd, J. (2005). An objective time-motion analysis of elite rugby union. <em>Sports Medicine</em>, 33(13):973-991.<br />
<br />
8. Escamilla, R.F. and Garhammer, J. (2002). “Biomechanics of Powerlifting and Weightlifting Exercises.” Exercise and Sports Science. Eds. Garrett and Kirkendale. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. p 585-615. <br />
<br />
9. Fitts, R.H, Mc Donald, K.S., and Schluter, J.M. (1991). The determinants of skeletal muscle force and power; their adaptability with changes in activation pattern. <em>Journal of Biomechanics</em> 24,1:111-122<br />
<br />
10. Francis, C (2002). Charlie Francis 2002 Forum Review, (e-book) available from CharlieFrancis.com<br />
<br />
11. Hakkinen, K. and P.V. Komi, 1985a. Changes in electrical and mechanical behaviour of leg extensor muscles during heavy resistance strength training. <em>Scand. J. Sports Sci</em> 7:55-64.<br />
<br />
12. Hakkinen, K. and P.V. Komi, 1985b. The effect of explosive type strength training on electromyography and force production characteristics of leg extensor muscles during concentric and various stretch-shortening cycle exercises. <em>Scand. J. Sports Sci</em> 7:65-76.<br />
<br />
13. Hutton, R. S (1992). Neuromuscular basis for stretching exercises in Komi ed. Strength and Power Training for Sport, Blackwell, and London.<br />
<br />
14. Jaric, S., Rupert, M. Kuok, and D.B.Ilic. (1995) Role of agonist and antagonist muscle strength in rapid movement performances. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology</em>. 71:464-468<br />
<br />
15. Kraemer, W.J and Hakkinen, K (2002). Strength training for sport.<br />
<br />
16. Kraemer, W. J and Newton, R. U. (1994). Training for improved vertical jump. <em>Sports Science Exchange</em>, 7(6):1-12<br />
<br />
17. McLaughlin, T.M. (1975). A kinematic analysis of the parallel squat as performed in competition by national and world-class powerlifters. Microform Publications. Eugene: University of Oregon, College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.<br />
<br />
18. McLaughlin, T.M., Dillman, C.J. & Lardner, T.J. (1977). A kinematic model of performance in the parallel squat by champion powerlifters. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports</em>, 9:128-33.<br />
<br />
19. McLaughlin, T.M., Lardner, T.J. & Dillman, C.J. (1978). Kinetics of the parallel squat. <em>The Research Quarterly</em>, 49:173-89.<br />
<br />
20. Moore, R.L and Sully, J.T (1984) Myosin light chain phosphorylation in fast and slow skeletal muscle in situ. <em>Am. Journal of Physiology</em>. 143:257-262.<br />
<br />
21. Nindl, B.C., Kraemer, W.J., Marx, J.O., Arciero, P.J., Dohi, K., Kellogg, M.D. and Loomis, G.A. (2001) Overnight responses of the circulating IGF-1 system after acute, heavy resistance training. <em>Journal of Applied Physiology</em> 90:1319-1326.<br />
<br />
22. Rimmer, E and Sleivert, G (2000). Effects of Plyometric Intervention Program on Sprint Performance. <em>J Strength Cond Res</em>14(3):295-301<br />
<br />
23. Roman, R.A. and M.S. Shakirzyanov. (1978) The Snatch, The Clean and Jerk. Moscow: Fizkultura I Sport, English translation Andrew Charniga Jr. Livonia: Sportivny Press. <br />
<br />
24. Ross, B. (2004). Squat or ScrumTruk: which is best for leg extensor training for athletes? http://myoquip.com.au/Squat_or_ScrumTruk.htm <br />
<br />
25. Ross, B (2006). A biomechanical model for estimating moments of force at hip and knee joints in the barbell squat. http://www.myoquip.com.au/Biomechanical_model_squat_article.htm<br />
<br />
26. White, C (2006). Charlie Francis.Report from 1-1 Internship with Craig White (2nd April – 11th April)<br />
<br />
27. Worrell, T.W. (1994). Factors associated with hamstring injuries. <em>Sports Medicine</em> 17:338-345.<br />
<br />
28. Wolfe, R.R. (2001). Control of Muscle protein breakdown: effects of activity and nutritional states. <em>International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism</em> 11:164-169</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-91858570127016066982010-11-28T18:44:00.004+11:002010-11-29T08:37:19.549+11:00Giants of the midfield – the rise of the 100kg inside centre in rugbyOver the past few decades the bodyweight of international rugby players has been consistently increasing. In the main such increases have occurred gradually, a reflection of improvements in resistance training and nutrition which have enabled hypertrophy gains without sacrificing speed and mobility. <br />
<br />
A comparatively recent development, however, seems to be a deliberate preference for the use of very heavy players in the backline, most notably in the inside centre position. This would appear to reflect a fundamental rethinking of the role of the 12. Consider the following table showing the body weights of midfielders used by major countries in the European Autumn internationals:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="border-bottom: #0000ff 1px solid; border-left: #0000ff 1px solid; border-right: #0000ff 1px solid; border-top: #0000ff 1px solid; width: 600px;"><colgroup class="Team"></colgroup><colgroup class="data" span="3"><thread class="titles"></colgroup><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9" border="" bordercolor="#0000ff"><span style="color: blue;"><b></b></span></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9" colspan="2"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
Five-eighths</b></span></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9" colspan="2"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
Inside Centres</b></span></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9" colspan="2"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
Outside Centres</b></span></td></></></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Australia</b></span></td><td>Cooper </td><td>84</td><td><b>Barnes</b></td><td><b>88</b></td><td>Ashley-Cooper</td><td>98</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>England</b></span></td><td>Flood</td><td>91</td><td><b>Hape</b></td><td><b>102</b></td><td>Banahan</td><td>115</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>France</b></span></td><td>Traille</td><td>100</td><td><b>Jauzion</b></td><td><b>105</b></td><td>Rougerie</td><td>104</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Ireland</b></span></td><td>Sexton</td><td>92</td><td><b>D'Arcy</b></td><td>93</td><td>O'Driscoll</td><td>95</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Italy</b></span></td><td>Orquera</td><td>78</td><td><b>Sgarbi</b></td><td>101</td><td>Canale</td><td>94</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>New Zealand</b></span></td><td>Carter</td><td>92</td><td><b>Nonu</b></td><td><b>102</b></td><td>Smith</td><td>95</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Scotland</b></span></td><td>Parks</td><td>91</td><td><b>Morrison</b></td><td><b>103</b></td><td>Ansbro</td><td>92</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>South Africa</b></span></td><td>Steyn</td><td>88</td><td><b>de Villiers</b></td><td><b>100</b></td><td>Steyn</td><td>100</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Wales</b></span></td><td>Biggar</td><td>90</td><td><b>Bishop</b></td><td><b>93</b></td><td>Hook</td><td>92</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="7">Data from espnscrum.com site</td></tr>
</tbody><caption align="top"><h3>Body Weights of Tri Nations and 6 Nations Midfielders - Nov 2010 </h3></caption></table><span class="fullpost"><br />
The table lists players in the 10, 12 and 13 positions for the nine Tri Nations and 6 Nations teams in matches played on the 19th and 20th of November. It can be seen that six of the nine inside centres weighed 100kg or more. Only three outside centres and one five-eighth met that weight standard.<br />
<br />
Of the sub-100kg 12s, D’Arcy of Ireland and Bishop of Wales each weighed 93kg while the Australian Barnes weighed only 88kg. Significantly the Wallabies have also played the 85kg Giteau at 12 on this tour while the All Blacks have made use of the 108kg Williams. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nonu-france-220x184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nonu-france-220x184.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Traditionally the 12 was the more thick set of the two centres although by no means a huge player. He could play a crash ball type game but also had the speed and agility to be able to exploit gaps. He was expected to be a very solid defender who could cover if necessary for the less robust 10.<br />
<br />
Reflecting its labelling of the 10 and 12 positions as first five-eighth and second five-eighth, New Zealand pioneered the practice of replacing a conventional inside centre with a player whose skill set and experience were those of a 10. More recently there has been a general tendency and expectation for five-eighths to attack the line rather than playing an essentially “white shorts” game. Having two light-framed players side by side each attempting to explore gaps encourages a very aggressive defensive reaction.<br />
<br />
Possibly because of this many countries, including New Zealand, have gone back to a more conventional inside centre but with the important difference that these players are now very large and physically imposing. The notable exception to this trend is Australia.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Deans experiment</strong><br />
<br />
Robbie Deans has now been coaching the Wallabies for just under three years. I have previously written about the physical conditioning regime which Deans and his strength and conditioning coach Peter Harding have implemented (<a href="http://myoquip.blogspot.com/2010/09/wallabies-sprinters-not-stayers.html">“The Wallabies – sprinters not stayers”</a>). But it is the type of backline structure and play that he has been developing that will distinguish his tenure as national coach.<br />
<br />
As can be seen from the table below, when Deans took the Wallabies to Europe in 2008 their body weight and age profiles were little different to what they were two years previously. Two years later the average body weight and average age of the backs have declined dramatically:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="border-bottom: #0000ff 1px solid; border-left: #0000ff 1px solid; border-right: #0000ff 1px solid; border-top: #0000ff 1px solid; width: 600px;"><colgroup class="Team"></colgroup><colgroup class="data" span="3"><thread class="titles"></colgroup><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9" border="" bordercolor="#0000ff"><span style="color: blue;"><b></b></span></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
2006 Squad</b></span></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
2008 vs. England (Nov)</b></span></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#bfe2f9"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br />
2010 vs. England (Nov)</b></span></td></></></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Average body weight (kg)</b></span></td><td align="center">102.6 </td><td align="center">102.1</td><td align="center">99.7</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Average body weight - forwards</b></span></td><td align="center">111.1</td><td align="center">110.6</td><td align="center">110.3</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Average body weight - backs</b></span></td><td align="center">91.8</td><td align="center">92.4</td><td align="center">87.6</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b></b></span></td><td></td><td></td><td><b></b></td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Average age (yrs)</b></span></td><td align="center">26.1</td><td align="center">26.6</td><td align="center">25.1</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Average age - forwards</b></span></td><td></td><td align="center">26.8</td><td align="center">26.4</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#fffbc6"><span style="color: #00782b;"><b>Average age - backs</b></span></td><td></td><td align="center">26.4</td><td align="center">23.6</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="4">2006 data from “<a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/SU_experiment_article.htm">Building bigger and stronger rugby players – the Sydney University experiment</a>”; 2008 and 2010 data from espnscrum.com.site</td></tr>
</tbody><caption align="top"><h3>Body Weight and Age Statistics - Wallabies 2006 to 2010 </h3></caption></table><br />
The 2010 backs are on average 4.8kg lighter than those of 2008 and 2.8 years younger. The inside centre on the earlier tour was Stirling Mortlock who at 100kg was 15kg heavier than his successor Matt Giteau. During his tenure Deans has taken on tour quite a number of very young and small backs while ignoring or discarding heavier and more robust players. His desire to groom such players creates a potential imbalance which would seem to be reflected in the figures in the table.<br />
<br />
Typically his backlines contain four players who would be classed as playmakers and inevitably the 12 position is filled by a back-up five-eighth. Having a small 12 and multiple playmakers in the one backline may prove to be an inspired strategy, although it hasn’t yet yielded obvious dividends. Clearly this approach is at odds with the current thinking of the other leading nations who all appear to have identified the inside centre position as requiring a very big player. Presumably next year’s World Cup will determine which approach prevails.</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-87361302884559448382010-11-20T14:58:00.001+11:002010-11-28T18:52:04.010+11:00Towards an observational economics of business behaviour: the horizontal supply curve, 'fuzzy' demand and other anomalies for conventional theory[This article does not really belong in this blog, but it is something I wrote in 1996 and I wanted to ensure that its full text was readily available on the internet]<br />
<br />
<u>Abstract</u><br />
<br />
This paper proposes the development of an 'observational economics' whose domain would be restricted to what is observable in the real world. Observational economics should be regarded as a separate but complementary undertaking to mainstream economics. Adoption of such an approach would enhance the reestablishment and development of interaction between economists and the business community. Phenomena such as price setting, unpredictable and variable demand, and inventories and order backlogs are argued to be anomalous from the viewpoint of conventional microeconomics, but fundamental to an observational perspective on business behaviour. A basic observational model of price and output determination for the price setting manufacturing firm is outlined.<br />
<a href="http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/26783/1/MPRA_paper_26783.pdf">Link to PDF version of the full paper</a>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-46347746904608670812010-11-03T09:59:00.000+11:002010-11-03T09:59:11.696+11:00Robbie Deans on wanting<span class="fullpost"> It's not often you get an insight into the mental processes of an international rugby coach. Here's Wallabies coach Robbie Deans interviewed after his team's win in the Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><em>"James is one of those blokes who wants the ball in those moments as you saw with his carry, and that's what you want.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><em>"The bloke who's got the ball you want to want to have the ball."</em></span><br />
<br />
Rugby is the most cerebral of games.</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-43667351259458292042010-11-03T09:32:00.000+11:002010-11-03T09:32:55.996+11:00Juxtaposed clichesA classic:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><em>"When you have a bad day at the office you just have to get straight back on the horse."</em></span> All Black captain Richie McCaw interviewed after his team lost the <span style="background-color: white;">Bledisloe</span> Cup match in Hong Kong.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-67293951374285129232010-10-26T07:46:00.002+11:002010-10-26T08:07:50.538+11:00Aussie coach introduces MyoQuip systems to British rowing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWUiV7So4C8cKuguARvVJIA-0Q-qblegg47ACpjJZtO246bYb3mwNTMbXdsVu3wgub0ujI5RtKT16x93AObEHvCJ4cI5VAqjT7zESCwjWZ3Zwxhn50yjPH_-Og1PSYjRN_J2a/s1600/Bourguignon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWUiV7So4C8cKuguARvVJIA-0Q-qblegg47ACpjJZtO246bYb3mwNTMbXdsVu3wgub0ujI5RtKT16x93AObEHvCJ4cI5VAqjT7zESCwjWZ3Zwxhn50yjPH_-Og1PSYjRN_J2a/s1600/Bourguignon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Rowing Club coach Phil Bourguignon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.londonrc.org.uk/">London Rowing Club</a> coach Phil Bourguignon has persuaded the club to instal the equipment that helped make his previous club, Sydney University, the leading rowing club in Australia. London RC recently became the first European rowing club to use the revolutionary <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> machines as the basis of their strength conditioning.<br />
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After four very successful years as Director of Rowing at <a href="http://www.subc.org.au/">Sydney University Boat Club</a>, Phil Bourguignon was looking for a new challenge. He found it in the Thames-side London Rowing Club, thus moving between two of the world’s oldest rowing clubs. SUBC had been founded way back in 1860 but LRC is even more venerable dating from 1856.<span class="fullpost"><br />
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It is typical of Bourguignon that he took no time off between finishing up in Sydney in December last year and moving into the boat house at Putney. Back in Australia, juggling club and national team commitments, he had coached year round refusing to take vacations. In 2006 he was quoted as saying: <span style="color: blue;">“They say I’ve got four weeks off, but no … Athletes, their bodies don’t know what time off is. They’ve got to be trained every day. Athletes don’t know when holidays are.”</span><br />
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His work schedule was unrelenting, involving 15-hour days during the week, waking at 4:30 am and getting home at 8 pm. And he had no reprieve at weekends. His only free time was on Sunday afternoons when he often accompanied his mates out for a quiet beer but he was so exhausted that he often fell asleep after the second beer.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">“Fortunately, I love waking up every morning,”</span> Bourguignon said. <span style="color: blue;">“I love it because I’ve got such a great diversity of athletes, that I’m seeing something new every day. I see a change in somebody that wasn’t there yesterday and I say, ‘Yes! Thank God, that’s it, stay with that.’</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">“And you really look forward to waking up to see that.”</span><br />
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A feature of the Bourguignon approach was to strive to stay upbeat and full of energy in front of his athletes so they would act likewise.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOz8fr5A_E8KCv_9M-sOIx5nyTYGHrXxEddznYDO-yXfMfYUD_sADuUAC4kpeeYnEMm3kvf_w5AVO6wY7CUBR5SaEyJGhwkHbXkR_iKPHVbHM3H8b6fObUiZnDyzQ8y9AFdgQ/s1600/Bourguignon+ScrumTruk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOz8fr5A_E8KCv_9M-sOIx5nyTYGHrXxEddznYDO-yXfMfYUD_sADuUAC4kpeeYnEMm3kvf_w5AVO6wY7CUBR5SaEyJGhwkHbXkR_iKPHVbHM3H8b6fObUiZnDyzQ8y9AFdgQ/s400/Bourguignon+ScrumTruk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil Bourguignon monitoring MyoTruk technique at Sydney University</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: blue;">“If I’m enthusiastic, they’ll be enthusiastic,”</span> he said. <span style="color: blue;">“If I’m tired and morbid, there’s no way they’ll working hard. I can change the way they act in the boat shed by the way I act.”</span><br />
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He was renowned for never going out, preferring to stay home and watch video of his athletes so he could prepare them as best he could for their next challenge. When the athletes worked out in the gym during the afternoon, Bourguignon stood by their side, offering advice on how they could improve.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">“I enjoy working with people’s psychology; I enjoy working to understand how people interpret things, how to make them tick and make them go better, just in their mind,”</span> Bourguignon said. <span style="color: blue;">“I like working with a variety of people.”</span><br />
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He learnt how to focus on detail during a year he spent at the <a href="http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais">Australian Institute of Sport</a> as a scholarship coach before coming to the SUBC. At the AIS Bourguignon learned how to coach precisely, how to coach every stroke. As he put it, he learned about <span style="color: blue;">“finding the inch that’s gonna win the race.”</span><br />
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For an unashamed workaholic, London Rowing Club offers the ideal environment. Bourguignon’s apartment is right above the boathouse.<br />
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At Sydney University Bourguignon coached rowers to win World Championships and Olympic medals. At London his focus is much more on medalling at Henley. Instead of coaching university students, his new charges typically work long hours in the professions or in the City. Consequently their training has to be much more concentrated. This is where Bourguignon sees the two MyoQuip machines as invaluable, enabling heavy strength work to be done very intensively and safely:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">"After a long session on the water, backs are fatigued. Therefore, squatting after rowing is very dangerous. With the use of the MyoThrusta and the MyoTruk systems, athletes can still do their heavy weights after a long and hard session on the water."</span> He noted that in Sydney he had <span style="color: blue;">“employed the MyoThrusta and the MyoTruk heavily in my training programs with athletes rowing at elite levels. I have not had one back injury to my athletes in 2 years of heavy training"</span><br />
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Back injuries tend to be endemic among elite rowers but there is the need to constantly strive for increased strength. Phil Bourguignon believes that he has found a means to avoid one while achieving the other:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">"With rowing heavily involving the legs and core muscles, squatting alone provides many problematic issues such as an athlete not being able to support heavy weights through their core muscles. MyoQuip systems can do the extra weights without worrying about the core muscles, which provides more strength gain without the worries of injuries to the back.<br />
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"When athletes get too strong for their skeletal frame and core stability in squatting, they can use the MyoThrusta and the MyoTruk to increase strength safely where they can add far more weight than they are able to squat without the risk of injuring their back."</span><br />
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His name indicates Gallic ancestry but Phil Bourguignon’s broad Aussie accent gives the lie to that. It will be interesting to see what impact the boy from Brisbane has on Thames-side rowing.<br />
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(<a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/default.htm">MyoQuip</a> systems are now manufactured in England and distributed throughout Europe by <a href="http://www.gen3kinematics.com/home.php">Gen3 Kinematics</a> who supplied the MyoThrusta and MyoTruk to London Rowing Club)</span></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NPbL0E1DxQVoFesAjPz2OlzY-fv0ISslOq_CYBt04XvdO4izAmyARiZN0EW1pkDnE9_JqI254YTe9Kl47cdgNeJjtGYWKaQNqgc_28__tItXd_W_VX30lC-9buBWEcnINh3H/s1600/Run-Jump_graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NPbL0E1DxQVoFesAjPz2OlzY-fv0ISslOq_CYBt04XvdO4izAmyARiZN0EW1pkDnE9_JqI254YTe9Kl47cdgNeJjtGYWKaQNqgc_28__tItXd_W_VX30lC-9buBWEcnINh3H/s400/Run-Jump_graphic.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-58444901075032413522010-10-06T18:30:00.000+11:002010-10-06T18:30:34.553+11:00Physical imposition rugby – the Sydney University systemI wonder how many people watching the 2010 Sydney Premiership Club Grand Final realised they were seeing a classic demonstration of a revolutionary style of play that I have termed “physical imposition rugby”.<br />
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The clash of Australia’s two most historic and successful clubs saw Sydney University triumph by 46 points to six; five tries to nil; and seven goals to two. Both sides were weakened by injuries from the previous week, Randwick losing five players and University two.<br />
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Game strategies based around physical domination are nothing new in rugby, but where the Sydney University style is innovatory is that it is not just based on the forwards overpowering their opposition but the whole team systematically grinding the other team down.<br />
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The foundation of the University system is a training methodology which involves minimal actual conditioning but rather an almost exclusive focus on heavy strength and speed training. The counter-intuitive result of this radical approach is that the team is renowned for its ability to finish over the top of its opposition, particularly in the final quarter of games.<span class="fullpost"><br />
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If we take the Grand Final as a template of how physical imposition rugby should be played we can distinguish a number of defining characteristics.<br />
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Sydney University play is structured and methodical with an emphasis on patience and relentless control. In defence the team presents a “brick wall” across the width of the field and has confidence in its ability to continually repel attackers. Two or three players engage the ball carrier and try to drive him back, usually so effectively that multiple phases yield either no net gain or a loss of territory. The aim is to frustrate opponents so that they eventually lose the ball in a turnover or knock on.<br />
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Although multiple players usually make the tackle and attempt to secure possession, virtually no one is subsequently committed at the breakdown. This frees players to fan out at the sides of the ruck in readiness for the next assault on the defensive line. There is no attempt to slow the opposition ball down as the more tackles the team can make with multiple defenders engaging a single attacker the greater the toll on the opposition’s reserves of strength and fitness.<br />
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In possession, because of their enhanced physicality University players enthusiastically attack the line, often recruiting support players for the ball carrier even amongst the backs. In tight play they frequently vary the pick and drive from the back of the ruck with passing to a small pod of forwards standing four to five metres to the side of the ruck.<br />
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One of the distinguishing features of the Sydney University style as it has now developed is the use of big midfield players who function like forwards. Both centres in the Grand Final weigh around 105kg and play very physically.<br />
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Supplementing the trench warfare is a strategy of field position where the emphasis is on relentlessly going forward. Both Berrick Barnes and Luke Burgess kicked into Randwick’s defensive corners aided by a very committed chase typically led by Tom Carter. This produced defensive lineouts near the Randwick try line or hurried kick with insufficient angle to gain much distance.<br />
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When Randwick attempted to kick deep, University usually had at least a couple of players in position to receive the ball. Rather than floating a long pass across field the ball receiver typically elected to counter attack directly, often into a heavily populated area where they would get past at least a couple of defenders before being brought to ground. Then the process of physical imposition would continue.<br />
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University’s patience and relentlessness predictably caused frustration in the Randwick players giving an outstanding kicker in Barnes opportunities to keep the scoreboard ticking over to yield a 16-6 lead at half time. In the second half physical and mental fatigue caused Randwick to concede another 30 unanswered points.<br />
During the match University played some very enterprising rugby but much of it came after they had softened up their opponents.<br />
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The precondition for playing physical imposition rugby is a specific type of fitness which is essentially anaerobic and heavily strength based. However it also requires exceptional mobility in order to contain and counter the opposition game plan. Technical proficiency in the set pieces and mauls is a primary focus, but it is a 15-man involvement in physical imposition that is the strategy’s defining characteristic.<br />
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Sydney University has demonstrated that physical imposition can be employed very effectively at a semi-professional club level and there is no reason why it wouldn’t be equally successful in a fully professional environment. However this would require radical rethinking of both player conditioning and the role and attributes of centrefield players. <br />
</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-54069694017103838152010-09-14T18:22:00.000+10:002010-09-14T18:22:10.371+10:00The Wallabies - sprinters not stayersTwo months ago, before the start of the 2010 Bledisloe Cup series, I posted an article titled <a href="http://myoquip.blogspot.com/2010/07/are-wallabies-being-properly.html">“Are the Wallabies being properly conditioned for the Tri Nations Tests?”</a> I started off by pointing out:<br />
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“A characteristic of the Deans era Wallabies is their seeming inability to sustain their performance over the full 80 minutes of a game. This raises the question of whether their training methods are appropriate for the intense physical demands of modern international rugby. In short, is there enough emphasis on strength training?”<br />
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In that article I argued that the best way to assess the Wallabies’ performance was in Tests against the All Blacks. This was because “distance travelled is not really a relevant factor and both nations always endeavour to select their strongest team, so these matches provide an ideal environment to search for consistent patterns evident over a number of matches.”<br />
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We have since played another three Bledisloe matches.<br />
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On July 2008, in Deans’s first match against his home country, the Wallabies won the second half 17-7 and also won the match. From then on it has been an unbroken succession of losses in both the second half and the overall match. <span class="fullpost">Here is the record of second half scores:<br />
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2 August 08 0-18<br />
13 September 08 14-25<br />
1 November 08 14-19<br />
18 July 09 3-12<br />
22 August 09 6-16<br />
19 September 09 6-33<br />
31 October 09 3-19<br />
31 July 10 14-17<br />
7 August 10 0-3<br />
11 September 10 8-17<br />
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So that’s our sorry record. Ten straight games; ten losing second halves; ten matches lost.<br />
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In the second half we have scored on average 7 points; the All Blacks scored 17.9.<br />
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The reason is glaringly obvious – the physical conditioning of the Wallabies is inappropriate. Forget about half time scores; no one cares which horse is first past the post the first time around in the Melbourne Cup. And to pursue the horse racing analogy further, a horse won’t “get two miles” if it’s been trained to run a mile.<br />
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Rugby is a physically draining game played over eighty minutes. It is also not really an aerobic sport but rather an anaerobic sport where there is a huge premium on strength and power.<br />
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On June 28 the <i>Sydney Morning Herald</i> ran an article titled, “Don’t despair – fitter Wallabies might rise from last in Tri Nations rankings”. The author, Spiro Zavas, wrote:<br />
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“It is an open secret that many Waratahs and Brumbies players shirked their full training obligations in the Super 14. An unfortunate feature of the Wallabies, this season and last season, has been the way they have faded in the second half of Test matches. A fitter Wallabies team might convert those half-time leads to full-time victories.”<br />
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To address this problem “the Wallabies conditioning coach will monitor the entire squad with GPS tracking devices that will record the intensity of their training.” In other words the focus was on getting the players more aerobically fit.<br />
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It would appear that the traditional Australian approach of placing less emphasis on strength and physicality than any of the other major rugby countries has become more pronounced in the Deans era. Rather than pursuing maximum strength the Wallabies’ weights sessions have reportedly seen a heavy focus on bar-speed routines using loads as little as 30% of 1RM.<br />
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At what point will Robbie Deans and his strength and conditioning coach Peter Harding face up to the fact that the current approach is not working and requires fundamental revision? <br />
</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-35702338042954822452010-08-09T18:56:00.000+10:002010-08-09T18:56:06.490+10:00First Made-in-England MyoThrusta ready for shipment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaOC2fc5vpT_Y7S0dLxpHxCbPrO4tHJEzINcPPm__w1Mu55ayLObSC3Rf15rsCBp3XSx3rm8Ihyphenhyphen6uGMQC3HyYzaaN-c2ZgyFf0cb0ER_szubbxXnwZnxx3V0L3-46g-rSWt22/s1600/First_English_MyoThrusta.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaOC2fc5vpT_Y7S0dLxpHxCbPrO4tHJEzINcPPm__w1Mu55ayLObSC3Rf15rsCBp3XSx3rm8Ihyphenhyphen6uGMQC3HyYzaaN-c2ZgyFf0cb0ER_szubbxXnwZnxx3V0L3-46g-rSWt22/s400/First_English_MyoThrusta.gif" width="338" /></a></div>Gen3 Kinematics, European distributors of the MyoQuip range of strength increasing equipment, have commenced the roll-out of machines manufactured at their facility in Farnborough, Hampshire.<br />
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The photo at left shows the first English-built MyoThrusta ready for packaging and delivery. Within the next few weeks more MyoThrusta and MyoTruk machines will be delivered to rugby and rowing clubs in England.<span class="fullpost"><br />
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Mr Graham Naisbitt (shown at centre below), managing director of the three-generation parent company Gen3 Systems Ltd says that this new venture is a continuation of his company's commitment to British manufacture:<br />
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"Over the years too many proud British manufacturing companies have been forced to close or become mere importers of products made in low wage countries.<br />
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"As a family we are determined not to go down that road. We are totally committed to local manufacture, believing that with truly innovative products quality control and responsive and professional service back up are paramount."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwoRVcwc6SxuR3U4QIP3mOGGmeaqPoHwovdWq3tLUc6C7utjRfYMevpu-j3m89d56GyNMcXJ7ySBEcAkLhyphenhyphencmEgghBL4crzCSYLz9ZSVViY2U_rbW4Z6rTX_Q9afnsq-bRbF3/s1600/First_English_MyoThrusta2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwoRVcwc6SxuR3U4QIP3mOGGmeaqPoHwovdWq3tLUc6C7utjRfYMevpu-j3m89d56GyNMcXJ7ySBEcAkLhyphenhyphencmEgghBL4crzCSYLz9ZSVViY2U_rbW4Z6rTX_Q9afnsq-bRbF3/s400/First_English_MyoThrusta2.gif" width="332" /></a><br />
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Graham's sons, Alasdair and Andrew (shown left and right in the photo) are respectively CEO and Business Development Manager of Gen3 Kinematics. Alasdair says:<br />
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"Initially our main focus will be on marketing to clubs and schools in England, but before long we intend to have MyoQuip systems being used throughout Europe.<br />
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"We will be continually introducing new equipment to the MyoQuip range. Going forward we want Gen3 Kinematics and MyoQuip to be the brands that come to mind whenever anyone thinks about new ideas in physical conditioning."</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-53764608059823882882010-07-29T21:37:00.002+10:002010-08-09T13:18:03.144+10:00Is Jerry Yanuyanutawa the most powerful prop in world rugby?This video shows Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Fijian-born Sydney University front rower, box-squatting 260kg for 6 reps at the University gym in September 2008.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwcRPW8W8ymTgOw1c8QBWi-bFo8noeDIqOWSCVDaPVC1sHzpCvQJ3rD3XByQG-qcxUw2SIpXM1gxBM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
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Prior to 2007, Jerry had been a back rower, but changed to the front row under the tutelage of Trevor Woodman, England World Cup winning front rower and Sydney University scrum coach. For most of that season Jerry played Third Grade but was elevated to the Firsts by Woodman for the Sydney Premiership Grand Final won by University 34-11.<br />
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In 2008 he was the only non- Super 14 contracted player to make the Australia A squad for the Pacific Nations Cup. Also, during the Club Premiership season he scored 12 tries including one in the Grand Final again won by University 45-20. A highlight of that game was the dominance of the University front row comprising Yanuyanutawa, Nathan Charles and Laurie Weeks.<br />
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The video was shot during the week after that Grand Final, clear evidence that max strength work can be continued throughout the playing season.<br />
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So where does Jerry Yanuyanutawa rate among the strong men of rugby?<br />
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When the most powerful props in the world are discussed two names that invariably crop up are England’s Andrew Sheridan and New Zealand’s Carl Hayman. Both are credited with a 275kg squat, presumably for one rep. More recently Ben and Owen Franks, Crusaders and All Blacks props, have been mentioned as contenders for the title of world’s strongest rugby player. The All Blacks web site quotes scrum guru Mike Cron saying, “I was told yesterday they were doing about a 240kg squat.” But all of this is anecdotal with no actual evidence.<br />
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However, on July 8, 2007, a video titled “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKBMBTU57A0&feature=player_embedded">NZAllblacks in the Weight-room</a>” was posted on YouTube. The description read: “Pushing Tin: Join the All Blacks in a gym workout and watch big Carl Hayman squat a personal best 220kg.” Hayman is shown box-squatting 220kg for three reps spotted by strength coach Ashley Jones.<br />
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According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Coefficients used to determine 1RM, a squat set involving 3 reps at 220 equates to a single rep of 249kg.<br />
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By the same measure Jerry Yanuyanutawa’s 6 reps with 260 equates to a single rep of 323kg! This means that Yanayanatawa's squat set would rate 30% heavier than Hayman's effort, although of course relative box heights need to be taken into account.<br />
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Tim Leahy, Jerry's strength coach at Sydney University, had long recognised that his player had freakish physical capacities. "It was just a matter of getting him to apply himself and stay focussed."<br />
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Fortunately throughout 2008 he responded to the challenge with Tim Leahy spending many hours one-on-one with his young charge; "The key to getting the best out of Jerry was to constantly vary his training tasks and to continually challenge him.”<br />
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“Jerry is a very gifted guy athletically with great genetics and an abundance of fast twitch fibre. Along with the then SUFC forwards coach and former English World Cup winning front rower Trevor Woodman the major focus we had for Jerry was to build a base of strength and power that would be a benchmark for front rowers worldwide.”<br />
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Significantly Yanuyanutawa’s max strength program involved quite limited actual squatting, with greater focus being placed on the Romanian deadlift and <a href="http://myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> apparatus.<br />
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Making full use of his Melanesian genetic endowment Jerry Yanuyanutawa was able to record some outstanding speed and power numbers to match up with his prodigious efforts under the squat bar. As Tim Leahy notes, “During the actual playing season he was able to post best times of 1.71s and 5.38s for the 10 and 40 metres, as well as a vertical jump of 76cm. With a peak power output of nearly 9000 Watts, there is a lot of power that can be used at scrum time and during the collision.”<br />
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Jerry became something of a cult figure in Sydney club rugby with his barnstorming runs producing most of his 12 tries in 2008. As he says, “I like to get the ball in my hands and run. If there’s an opportunity to score a 20-metre try then I’ll back myself. Fijians are known for throwing the ball around a bit and I like that too. But I’m also learning the technical side with scrummaging and lifting [in lineouts] and learning to play within that team structure, but when I get out there I like to unleash and show what I’ve got.<br />
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“I do thrive in loose play and love to get my hands on the ball and run with it.” However, front rowers are never permitted to get too far away from their basic craft. “Trevor Woodman said to me none of that counts if you can’t scrummage or lift.”<br />
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Jerry’s first two seasons with the CA Brumbies were disrupted by injuries, but he is focussed on cementing a run-on spot for next year’s Super 15 season.<br />
</span>Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-56545471478690057332010-07-21T19:00:00.000+10:002010-07-21T19:00:33.075+10:00Triple extension activation using the MyoTruk accommodating resistance strength builderThe key factor in a sprint start is achieving triple extension out of the blocks, that is, extending the ankle knee and hip joints simultaneously. The same combination is required in the vertical jump.<br />
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The main resistance exercises used to train triple extension are Olympic lifts, i.e., the snatch and clean. However there is very limited movement of the ankle joint in these lifts. Only a moderate degree of plantar flexion is involved whereas in a sprint takeoff or a vertical leap the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are strongly and fully activated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxIYT8nQ1WxnpPdKKQhgVt6czLnPdn0tU6gTH0b1DcICBl4AU7eSNvtpGm3io2uWW7BFUA21v3C5iU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/myotruk.html">MyoTruk</a> accommodating resistance strength builder provides an alternative and more effective method of training for triple extension. As this video makes clear full range plantar flexion is automatically achieved in the exercise movement. It is also possible to train triple extension in each leg separately.<br />
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A further advantage of the MyoTruk is that its operation is intuitive. By contrast the Olympic lifts are very much learned movements which take considerable time to master.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20216581.post-90908552939486316942010-07-08T18:32:00.000+10:002010-07-08T18:32:00.819+10:00Jerry Yanuyanutawa, rugby front rower, box-squatting 260kg for 6 reps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwziv_HhqLLpuADzTL6CGhn6eERccpVn3AZSZDJ_9bx-7UHVv2R-sioSgGvuEMbX7nh6DQJeHYt4fU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
This video shows Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Sydney University front rower, box-squatting 260kg for 6 reps at the University gym in September 2008.<br />
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Prior to 2007, Jerry had been a back rower, but changed to the front row under the tutelage of Trevor Woodman, the University's scrum coach. For most of that season he played Third Grade but was elevated to the Firsts by Woodman for the Sydney Premiership Grand Final won by University 34-11.<br />
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In 2008 Yanuyanutawa scored 12 First Grade tries including one in the Grand Final again won by University 45-20. A highlight of that game was the dominance of the Uni scrum.<br />
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This video was shot in the week after that Grand Final. Right throughout the season Jerry's strength coach, Tim Leahy, had kept Jerry on a max strength program, although the amount of squatting was limited. Instead the lower body strength work was focussed on the MyoQuip <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoTruk.html">MyoTruk</a> and <a href="http://www.myoquip.com.au/MyoThrusta.html">MyoThrusta</a> apparatus together with the deadlift.Bruce Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466442058398972309noreply@blogger.com6