Stretch shortening cycle
process of faster muscular contraction after a dynamic stretch
A stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) is a natural muscle function in which there is a rapid transitioning from an eccentric contraction (lengthening under load) to a concentric contraction (shortening) of the same muscle, storing elastic energy during the stretch and releasing it during the shortening. This process enhances force and power output, and make movements more explosive and efficient. This function is a primary principle in plyometrics, sprinting, jumping and throwing.
Mechanics
The Stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) relies on a rapid transition from an eccentric phase to a concentric phase.
Eccentric phase (muscle lengthening under load): A phase when a muscle is lengthening while under tension or resisting a force and stretching at the same time. Examples include lowering into a squat, landing from a jump, and lowering chest in a push-up.
Concentric phase (muscle shortening): A phase when a muscle contracts and shortens to overcome resistance or produce movement. Examples include jumping upward from squat, pushing off the ground, pushing chest away in a push-up.
Rapid transition: The transition from an eccentric contraction to a concentric contraction must be rapid, to allow elastic energy storage and release, to enhance force and power output.
Research studies
The increased performance benefit associated with muscle contractions that take place during SSCs has been the focus of much research in order to determine the true nature of this enhancement.
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This entry incorporates text from “Stretch shortening cycle” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.