1/4h LabO #227 - The Brain, the Dose, and Performance

Introduction

Welcome everyone to this new quarter-hour lab. Today, we will explore the theme of the brain, the dose, and performance. To start, I will share a testimonial about the support provided to a professional football player.

The Case of a Professional Footballer

We recently worked with a high-level, explosive, and technical player who was facing a blockage in his running speed. This was not due to an injury, but rather a kind of invisible ceiling that limited his stride length.

Observation and Diagnosis

During the video analysis, it was clear that his stride was shortened and that his rigidity in the core was preventing him from executing his movement smoothly. Despite excellent work on the field, something wasn't working.

Consultant's Approach

As a consultant, I decided to take a different angle. Rather than increasing the load, we chose to communicate with the nervous system. We focused on two main areas: breathing and vestibular reflexes.

The Neuromechanics of Movement

The key to our approach lies in understanding neuromechanics. Unlike biomechanics, neuromechanics focuses on the brain's role in movement. Every movement is a motor output controlled by the brain that evaluates sensory signals.

The Sensorimotor Loop

This loop includes sensory inputs, interpretations, and decisions that result in a motor output. If the inputs are unclear, the output will not be optimal. The good news is that the brain is constantly adapting thanks to neuroplasticity.

Performance Optimization

To improve performance, it is essential to respect the principle of the minimum effective dose. This means we need to determine the precise amount of stimulus necessary to provoke a lasting adaptation without creating stress.

Evaluation and Stimulation

Before each exercise, we evaluate indicators such as reaction time or coordination. After stimulating the system, we immediately re-evaluate. If improvements are observed, it means the brain has validated the method.

The Importance of Sensory Integration

In our work, we identified three key sensory systems: vision, vestibular, and proprioception. Vision is particularly dominant, representing nearly 60% of the cortex. When these systems are well integrated, movement becomes fluid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we do not simply train muscles. We work with a nervous system. A brain that feels safe translates to performance. As a coach or practitioner, you have already integrated elements of neuromechanics into your practice. With the right tools, you can optimize this approach to enhance your athletes' performance.

Thank you for being with us today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on Instagram. See you next week for another quarter-hour lab!