Eccentric overloading exercises: Comparing Traditional Strength Training with Desmotec Flywheel Training

The Advanced Benefits of Desmotec Flywheel Technology

In competitive  sports, leveraging advanced technology is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and supporting effective rehabilitation. Desmotec flywheel technology stands out as a cutting-edge method of overloading the Eccentric phase of the exercise movement. This offers comprehensive benefits for professional sports coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, and performance athletes. This article looks at Eccentric Overloading(EOL) exercises.  Desmotec flywheel Devices are compared with traditional strength training methods and also their applications in sports training.

What is Desmotech Flywheel Technology?

Desmotech flywheel technology operates on the principle of isoinertial resistance.  The flywheel stores kinetic energy during the concentric phase (muscle shortening) and releases it during the eccentric phase (muscle lengthening). This dynamic resistance provides a continuous load throughout the full range of motion, optimizing both concentric and eccentric muscle actions. The  overloading in the Eccentric phase is far greater that that  experienced in traditional resistance training.

Enhanced Performance

Strength and Power Gains

Flywheel training with Desmotech devices significantly enhances strength and power across major muscle groups as well as the tendons and ligaments. The continuous resistance ensures activation throughout the entire range of motion, resulting in superior hypertrophy compared to traditional weight training. This leads to improvements in muscle strength and particularly Power, which are critical for peak athletic performance. 

Eccentric Strength and Power

Eccentric strength is crucial for controlling deceleration and stabilizing joints under high impact forces. Desmotec flywheel technology excels in enhancing the eccentric strength of the muscles, tendons and ligaments and  help athletes tolerate and attenuate high impact forces during landing and change of direction manoeuvres. 

This enhanced eccentric strength not only improves performance but also reduces the risk of injuries by strengthening muscles and tendons (Frontiers) Overloading of the Eccentric phase  is far greater  on Desmotec devices compared with traditional strength training equipment.

Concentric Strength and Power

The concentric phase of flywheel training with Desmotec devices facilitates rapid re-acceleration in the Eccentric phase. The  ability to control this is vital for explosive movements such as sprinting and jumping. The continuous load provided by the flywheel ensures that muscles work efficiently to generate maximum force, thereby enhancing overall power and speed.

Reactive Strength

Reactive strength, the ability to transition efficiently between eccentric and concentric actions, is another key benefit of flywheel training. This capability is critical for sports that require quick, explosive movements. Desmotec flywheel devices improve reactive strength by promoting neuromuscular adaptations that enhance the efficiency of these transitions, leading to better performance in dynamic sports activities.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Enhanced Eccentric Training Benefits

Eccentric training is paramount for injury prevention. It increases muscle strength and tendon stiffness, which are essential for absorbing and dissipating high impact forces. Desmotec devices enable athletes to perform eccentric training effectively, significantly reducing the risk of injuries such as tendonitis and muscle strains.

Controlled Rehabilitation

Desmotec flywheel technology offers a controlled and progressive approach to rehabilitation. The adjustable resistance allows for safe and gradual increases in load, tailored to the athlete’s recovery stage. This precise control helps in rebuilding muscle strength and function, ensuring a smooth transition back to full performance. The most important aspect however, over and above traditional bodyweight, band and weight based recovery, is that Desmotec Eccentric exercises forcibly recruit and activate the essential high threshold motor control units.

Versatility and Practicality

Portable and Space-Efficient

Desmotec flywheel devices are designed for portability and space efficient, making them suitable for various training environments, including gyms, training facilities, and even on-field settings. This flexibility allows athletes to integrate flywheel training into their routines without the need for extensive equipment or large spaces.

Customizable Resistance

The resistance provided by Desmotec flywheel devices is easily adjustable, allowing for tailored workouts that match the athlete’s strength levels and training goals. This adaptability makes flywheel technology suitable for athletes at all levels, from beginners to elite professionals.

Flywheel Technology in Practice

Integration into Training Protocols

Desmotec flywheel technology can be seamlessly integrated into various training protocols, such as Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) and strength conditioning. For instance, using flywheel exercises in PAPE protocols can enhance subsequent athletic performance due to the potentiation effects of eccentric contractions. Coaches can design specific protocols that include multiple sets and varying moments of inertia to optimize performance outcomes.

Examples of Exercises

Desmotec flywheel devices support a wide range of exercises, including squats, deadlifts, lunges, and sport-specific movements like rotational throws,pulls and presses. These exercises effectively target both upper and lower body muscles, providing a comprehensive workout that enhances strength, power, and functional movement patterns.

Desmotec flywheel technology offers numerous advanced benefits for sports training, making it an essential tool for coaches, trainers, and athletes. Its ability to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and support effective rehabilitation makes it a valuable addition to any athletic training program.

Call to Action: Elevate your training with Desmotec Equipment. Contact Rubicon Sports today to learn more about our range of flywheel training devices and how they can benefit your athletes.