This week in the world of sports science, here’s what happened…
- Is Perch the future of athlete monitoring and velocity-based training?
- Are bands and chains making a comeback?
- Is methylene blue really worth the hype?
Is Perch the future of athlete monitoring and velocity-based training?
Recently, Catapult, a leading sports technology firm, acquired Perch, an athlete monitoring platform. This acquisition is significant due to the rapid rise in popularity that Perch has experienced.
Perch offers an effective method for implementing velocity-based training (VBT). The system uses non-invasive cameras mounted on racks to provide real-time feedback and performance insights, eliminating the need for wearable devices or additional attachments to equipment.
Additionally, Perch has been actively sharing valuable content through its social media channels. A recent post highlighted a video showcasing how Syracuse University has integrated Perch into its training regimen and the benefits of using it.
Perch has also provided extremely informative posts, including guidelines on selecting optimal velocity zones to enhance training outcomes. Specifically, they define the speed zone for strength development as less than 0.75 meters per second, power development as 0.75 to 1.0 meters per second, and speed development as greater than 1.0 meters per second.
As Perch’s popularity continues to grow following its acquisition by Catapult, it is advisable to explore their social media accounts for insightful advice on VBT and athlete monitoring strategies. If you would like to learn more about VBT, check out our course: Velocity-Based Training and our podcast episode: Using VBT To Smash Performance Goals.
Are bands and chains making a comeback?
Esteemed strength and conditioning coach William Wayland recently predicted that a former training trend is poised to make a significant resurgence shortly. The trend to which Wayland refers is accommodating resistance, specifically through the utilisation of bands and chains.
In an X post, Wayland elaborates on the cyclical nature of strength and conditioning trends, noting that older methodologies, such as the application of bands and chains for accommodating resistance, often reappear or are rebranded for new audiences. While Wayland acknowledges that he has consistently employed bands and chains throughout his career, he observes that their popularity has waned, primarily due to the time-intensive setup required and their impracticality when training large groups or teams.
Nevertheless, Wayland highlights that recent research has reaffirmed the efficacy of accommodating resistance through bands and chains, demonstrating enhancements in force production, increased explosive power, and a reduction in joint stress.
Wayland anticipates that bands and chains will re-emerge with a modernised approach. He envisions the incorporation of technology, such as AI-driven equipment, to innovate the concept of accommodating resistance. He expects that “smart chains,” which will integrate sensors for real-time data collection and precise load tracking, will become a significant trend within the strength and conditioning industry by 2026.
It will be intriguing to observe how this traditional concept adapts to and integrates with modern technological advancements. Why not refresh your knowledge on bands and chains by reviewing some of our earliest blogs, Elastic-Resistance Training and Chain-Resistance Training!
Is methylene blue worth the hype?
Methylene blue has emerged as a prominent health supplement trend on the internet, with endorsements from notable figures such as Joe Rogan. This synthetic dye, when dissolved in water, produces a distinct deep blue colour and has garnered attention for its purported cognitive enhancement properties.
Historically, methylene blue was utilised in the treatment of malaria and for testing the safety of unpasteurised milk. Over time, its application expanded within the medical field, where it can be employed to address specific blood disorders, carbon monoxide poisoning, and cases of septic shock.
Nowadays, methylene blue is increasingly adopted as a health supplement; however, leading researcher Professor Lorne Hofseth expresses scepticism regarding its efficacy. Although some scientific studies suggest it may enhance learning capabilities, improve memory, and increase energy production, Hofseth emphasises that the majority of these investigations were conducted on rats. Consequently, there is a notable lack of high-quality research involving human subjects. Furthermore, Hofseth raises concerns about the potential dangers associated with methylene blue, including the risk of serotonin syndrome, elevated blood pressure, and various heart issues in certain individuals.
Given the insufficient scientific evidence and potential adverse effects, it is best to avoid taking methylene blue as a supplement for now (sorry, TikTok influencers).
From us this week:
>> New course: Decision Making in Team Sports
>> New podcast: Strength First: Why It Underpins Everything
>> New infographic: Sleep: Importance For Athletic Performance
>> New article: Hydrotherapy
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The post The Future Of Athlete Monitoring! appeared first on Science for Sport.
