Development of speed and optimization of a training process by using TMG (Tensiomyography)

The development of speed depends mainly on two factors: genetic determination and the efficiency of the training methodology.

a) A high percentage of fast muscle fibers, which participate in sprints/fast movement, is required for speed development.

b) Harmonically developed muscle groups are needed as well as a perfect control of muscle activation – coordination/synchronization.

Tensiomyography is a simple and non-invasive measuring method for the detection of muscle properties (contraction speed- that is the percentage of fast and slow muscle fibers) and their functional profile (chronic and acute fatigue, the extent of muscle tissue damage after an injury)

TMG utilization protocol

1.Assessment of the initial muscle status (muscles that participate in sprinting) - initial measurement.

The main purpose of the measurement is to determine the general profile of all muscle groups, their genetic determination and adaptation potential.
The measurement results help us select sportsmen, optimize a training process and eliminate the foul parts of the kinematic chain.

Measurements are carried out four times per season.
Muscles on both body sides are measured:
- quadriceps femoris( vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris)
- biceps femoris
- tibialis anterior
- gastrocnemius
- soleus
- erector spinae
- iliopsoas
- gluteus maximus
- biceps brahii
- triceps brahii
- superficial abdominal muscle

2. Monitoring the progress and changes in muscle performances(contractile properties) during the training process on indicatory muscles.

The main purpose of this measurement is to determine the results of training on certain muscle groups. The results give us unique data on training efficiency in some muscle groups and the kinematic chain.

The measurements are carried out every 4 weeks in the preparatory cycle.
The selection of measured muscles depends on the initial measurement, usually these are: vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, biceps femoris …

3. Monitoring the imbalance development

The main purpose of this measurement is to synchronize the muscle activity during training and reduce the incidence of injuries.
The measurement results help us minimize the risk of injuries that are the result of asymmetry between the left and right side of the body, non-balanced function of synergistic and antagonistic muscle groups.
Furthermore, they provide the conditions for an efficient bio-mechanical model of movement patterns –
- sprinting.

The measurement is carried out every 3 weeks in the preparatory cycle and every 4 weeks during the competition cycle.
Muscles on both body sides are measured: quadriceps femoris (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris), biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, soleus …
Agonists and antagonists: biceps femoris + semimembranosus / rectus femoris + vastus lateralis..

Synergistic muscle groups: vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis or biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus

4. Monitoring the post traumatic recovery of the target muscle group

Using a non-invasive measurement method gives us information on the extent of the muscle/muscle part damage.
According to the obtained information we can very precisely decide on the form and intensity of the load on the selected muscle/muscle group which will considerably shorten the rehabilitation period – absence from competitions.
The measurement is carried out twice a week in the initial stages of rehabilitation ( 2- 6 weeks) and once a week later on.

5. Training Optimization

a. The measuring of local muscle fatigue and monitoring of individual muscle recovery back to the initial state.

It is possible to determine the level of local muscle fatigue (percent of initial state).
Individual determination of a muscle recovery period in between repetitions of :
- sprints (quadriceps muscle, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, soleus , psoas..)
- weight lifting (quadriceps femoris( vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris), biceps femoris tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, soleus, erector spinae, iliopsoas, gluteus maximus, biceps brahii, triceps brahii, superficial abdominal muscle)
-interval training : measuring of all participating muscle groups or a particular muscle

b. Determination of the knee joint angle - activation relation (knee joint angle 90 to 0 deg)

Optimization of the power training protocol (selective development of hypertrophy of fast twitch fibres or maximum total hypertrophy)
-determination of knee joint angle curve of activation amplitude (contraction time, radial displacement…) on: quadriceps muscle ( vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris), biceps femoris