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Optimizing Sprint Performance with EMG MShorts

Writer: MyontecMyontec
3 days ago3 min read

Measuring different loading patterns in sprinting with Myontec MShorts.

The Science Behind Power and Energy Demands in Football Training

Sprinting is a pivotal action in team sport like football, making it crucial to study the muscle engagement and the metabolic and energetic requirements of different sprints. Understanding these demands is crucial for optimizing training and performance. Gabriele Grassadonia's doctoral thesis, "Determining the Neuromuscular and Energetic Requirements of Loaded and Unloaded Sprint Efforts Through Experimental Modelling: New Integrated Approaches," delves into this subject, offering valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and sports scientists.


Objective of the Research

The primary aim of Grassadonia's research was to analyze and compare the neuromuscular and energetic demands of both loaded and unloaded sprinting in elite youth soccer players. The study sought to:

  • Compare GPS and EMG derived metrics: Evaluate the differences between Global Positioning System (GPS) and Electromyography (EMG) metrics in various sprinting conditions.

  • Analyze Muscle Activation Patterns:  Investigate how different loading conditions affect muscle activation during sprints.

  • Assess Strenght Measures: Explore the utility of isometric and dynamic strength assessments in understanding sprint performance.

  • Examine Sprint Phases: Differentiate the demands associated with acceleration, high-speed running, and deceleration phases.


Methodology

The research comprised multiple studies involving elite U17 soccer players:

  1. GPS vs. EMG in Metabolic Power Calculation: Sixteen players performed submaximal runs and sprints while being monitored using portable GPS-IMU units (GPS LacallaColli) and Myontec MShorts measuring surface EMG. The study compared the metabolic power (MP) and energy cost (EC) calculations derived from both methods.


    Measuring tools: LagallaColli GPS solution and Myontec MShorts together with Muscle Monitor.

  2. Myontec MShorts based Muscle Activation in Loaded Sprints. The effects of resistance sprinting, using tools like parachutes and sleds, on muscle activation patterns were examined to understand the neuromuscular demands under different loading conditions.


    Study design.


Key Findings

  • Discrepancies between GPS and EMG Metrics: The study found significant differences between GPS and EMG-derived metrics for MP and EC. EMG provided a more accurate representation of the energetic demands during sprints, highlighting the importance of muscle activation data in performance analysis.


  • Metabolic Power from GPS vs. Myontec EMG in the 50 m sprint.
    Metabolic power calculated via GPS and Myontec EMG shorts during the linear 50 m sprint.

  • Impact of Loading on Muscle Activation: Loaded sprints, such as those using parachutes and sleds, resulted in distinct muscle activation patterns compared to unloaded sprints. This suggests that incorporating resistance training can effectively target specific neuromuscular adaptations.

Metabolic Power from GPS and Myontec EMG shorts when sprinting in different loads.
Comparison of the Metabolic Power determined through the GPS and EMG approaches in the different loading conditions.



Practical (EMG) Implications in Sprint Coaching

Grassadonia´s research offer several practical applications

  • Enhanced Training Protocols with Myontec MShorts and MSleeves: By understanding the specific neuromuscular and energetic demands of different sprinting conditions, coaches can design more effective training programs tailored to individual athlete needs.

  • Informed Use of Resistance Training: Insights into how various loading conditions affect muscle activation can guide the strategic implementation of resistance tools to optimize performance gains.

  • Improved Performance Monitoring in Training and Game: The findings advocate for integrating Myontec EMG technology (MShorts but also MSleeves) alongside traditional GPS monitoring to obtain a comprehensive view of an athlete's performance and workload.





Conclusion

This thesis leverages experimental modelling to assess the neuromuscular and energetic demands of sprinting, offering valuable insights into muscle activation and adaptation under varying loads. Myontec EMG played a crucial role in uncovering how different muscles contribute to sprinting efficiency and how training strategies can be refined to enhance performance while reducing injury risks.


Understanding the energy cost and efficiency of movement is vital for optimizing sports performance. Coaches and analysts must rely on precise data to make informed decisions. The integration of technologies like GPS and textile-based EMG represents a ground-breaking advancement in sports science, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of athletic demands. By distinguishing the impact of different measurement techniques and loading conditions, this research sets the stage for more targeted training interventions, ultimately driving performance improvements in soccer and beyond.




The article is based on Gabriele Grassadonia's doctoral thesis, Determining the neuromuscular and energetic requirements of loaded and unloaded sprint efforts through experimental modeling: new integrated approaches, Murcia October 2024. https://repositorio.ucam.edu/handle/10952/9018


 
 
 

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