Plyometric Training and The Series Elastic Component

Looking from the outside, it would appear as if dynamic contraction of the muscles of the arms and legs during movements such as running would result in a substantial expenditure of energy.

On the contrary, much of the energy involved is stored from stride to stride as elastic energy in the tendons.

This is because an actively contracted muscle withstands stretching with great force, especially if the stretching is imposed at speed.

The tendons perform a major role in storing this energy. This is called the series elastic component (SEC).

Plyometric training can have a powerful effect on the SEC.

Also for these reasons, is it imperative that any stretching exercises do not compromise the strength or ability of the tendons to store elastic energy throughout their range of motion.

Tendon stretching exercises should be characterized by strength conditioning against sufficient resistance.

As per the previous post, ligaments should not be stretched to the point of decreased joint stability as seen in static stretches. This decreases performance and increases the likelihood of injury.

The capacity to use stored elastic energy depends on the speed of stretching, the intensity of the stretch and the time between each successive motion of the exercise.

Explosive rebound training (Plyometrics) can accomplish this if done correctly.