Specificity in Training (2000)

* Taken from Zatsiorsky, "BIOMECHANICS IN SPORT" (2000), an IOC medical commission publication collaborated on with the International Federation of Sports Medicine.

Overview:

In pages 106-107 of the publication, the author states that:

• The modification of the body and more specifically, the neuromuscular system, when strength training is due to the exercise(s) performed, and the way they are performed.
• All exercise involves information processing in the central nervous system and neuromuscular system.
• There is a difference between specificity, and something called "simulation". Specificity refers to training to improve type of muscle contraction, movement pattern, velocity of movement, force of contraction, fatigue, etc. Basically, to improve these factors. Simulation is an exercise that mimics a sporting movement with added resistance, through the full range of the sporting movement, or through a certain part of it.

For example, specificity would be a powerlifter executing a repetition of bench press (like in competition) while focusing on speed, movement pattern, force, and other factors to do it successfully. Whereas simulation would be the powerlifter benching with a chain or resistance band (added resistance) in the part of the lift that needs improvement.

• Trying to apply simulation using implementations/weight similar to a specific sport exercise, will not be the same, because of changes in gravity, center of mass, etc.
• Major determinants of strength are: cross-sectional area of the muscle, efficiency of leverage across the joint, the number of muscle fibers contracting at the same time, the initial length of the muscles before contraction, and more.

If You're Interested...

There is more information regarding muscle action. Which includes muscle-tendon structure, eccentric movement, and biomechanics which are explained extensively and covers several concepts you may have never heard of. 

In addition, you could learn more about dynamics in throwing, jumping, aerial movement, and running. You could learn about rehabilitation, and even stuff relating to Olympic sports for disabled individuals. If any of that interests you, check out the publication this page was based on.