Strength is characterized by the ability of the nervous system to activate muscles involved in specific movements.
Initial gains noted in strength originate from within the nervous system.
This provides one significant rationale for implementing Integrated Stabilization Training at the onset of a training program.
For muscles to function they must be appropriately linked to the nervous system.
Motor units establish this link between muscles and the nervous system.
Many clients new to resistance training have not established the ability to recruit a high percentage of their motor units and this inability is a determining factor in the acquisition of strength.
The increase in strength they demonstrate after a few weeks of resistance training is a prime example of neural adaptation.
Another mechanism representing neural adaptation is the increase in the firing rate of motor units.
This mechanism increases force production when the recruitment of motor units has been maximized.
Remember that the initial response to resistance training is a gain in strength that results from neural adaptations. Therefore, it is important to provide maximal sensory input to the nervous system. This helps to ensure maximal neuromuscular output and the attainment of all training goals.
This establishes the importance of Integrated Reactive Neuromuscular Training in a properly designed training program.
When a client first begins training, the primary adaptation that they will experience is neurological.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that increases in strength and overall adaptation during the initial 4-8 weeks of resistance training are derived from significant neural adaptations and not as the result of increased muscle size (hypertrophy).
This demonstrates the importance of beginning a client with proprioceptively-enriched environments as seen in the first 3 phases of the training model.
Placing a client in environments that challenge stabilization requirements at the onset of their training program you feed their nervous system appropriate stimuli to help ensure proper development and progression.
The use of Integrated Reactive Neuromuscular Training in a properly designed training program is necessary to increase neural adaptation and enhance force production.
A beginning client is traditionally started on a program that is perceived to increase muscle mass whether it is assumed this will aid in body fat reduction or just enhance muscle visibility.
This makes little sense when reviewing the scientific literature listed above.
Novice and advanced clients who have been training for extended periods of time are often thought of as being exempt from training that utilizes proprioception (stabilization).
These individuals demonstrate other forms of neural adaptation.
Training with the same basic exercises and movement patterns (bench press, chest press, squats, leg press, pulldowns, etc.) will demonstrate adaptation by getting stronger, while using less motor units.
By consistently repeating the motor pattern that is required to perform a task, the nervous system (kinetic chain) will learn to minimize the amount of energy it needs to expend and still accomplish the same task.
This can lead to stagnation and can cause a plateau for a client who has the goals of getting stronger, bigger and/or losing weight.
By placing an advanced client in a different environment (proprioceptively-enriched), as seen in the training model, you create a different stimulus to which the body must adapt.
This can create increased motor unit recruitment as well as energy expenditure.
If a client can recruit more motor units in synchrony, they can get stronger.
The only way to increase the size of a muscle fiber is to be able to recruit it. Activating more motor units increases the number of muscles fibers that are utilized, creating greater potential for growth.
The recruitment of more motor units increases the energy requirements of the kinetic chain, allowing for more energy expenditure and potential weight loss.
Placing an advanced client in a different environment (proprioceptively enriched), you create a different stimulus that the body must adapt to by getting stronger, bigger or losing weight.