The new frontier in training: the link between neurophysiology and sport

Edited by Prof. Guido M. Filippi

The developed system appeared from the beginning absolutely dependent for its effectiveness on a very high operating fidelity: signal distortions of the order of 15-20% can make null the effects that will be described.
The mechanical stimulus was also associated with the simultaneous voluntary contraction of the stimulated muscle: so as to favor the propagation of the mechanical signal and as the remodeling of the Central Nervous System seems to depend on a simultaneous activation of the central networks (Recanzone Gh, Merzenich Mm, Jenkins Wm , Grajski Ka, Dinse Hr J Neurophysiol 67: 1031 - 1056).
3 applications of 10 minutes per day were always performed for 3 consecutive days. Each application was separated by 30-60 seconds of muscle relaxation and suspension of the vibratory stimulus. The treatments were performed with specific instrumentation (Cro®System, supplied by NEMOCO srl) capable of guaranteeing what is required and transmitting the mechanical signal to the tissues without distortion.

The results

Preliminary studies have shown that a protocol based on 3 vibratory applications of 10 minutes each, separated by a short pause of 30-60 sec, for 3 consecutive days, induced marked effects on the ability to handle loads and on resistance to fatigue. Figure 11 exemplifies these early observations, with data from a subject training the pecs on the oblique bench.

Figure 12 instead reports the effects on standing jump after quadriceps treatment:

We then went on to examine the effects on complex gestures such as those of swimmers participating in the absolute juniors of swimming. The improvements in their personal bests from the previous year are shown in Figure 13 and compared with those of untreated athletes. The muscle groups treated in these cases varied according to the specialties (eg quadriceps and brachial triceps for the dolphin, etc.).

In parallel, several tests were conducted on a Serie A football team throughout the entire competitive season, revealing surprising data on the collapse of injuries. (Figure 14)
(N.B. the team name has been omitted due to lack of agreements).

These and other preliminary data suggested that the Cro®System and application protocol resulted in powerful long-term increases in strength and fatigue resistance. In addition, there were signs of radical changes in motor strategies and greater joint coordination.
After this exploratory phase, we then moved on to scientifically set studies, in order to better define the mechanisms and effects.

Results obtained both on healthy subjects and on pathological subjects, of sporting interest