KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

Lab 1: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening Cycle

Potentiation)

Deven Chakravorty (400470315)

Department of Kinesiology

KINESIOL 2C03, Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology

LAB L09

Dr. Joshua Nederveen

Alessandra Chiarot and Faith Adams

November 1, 2023

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

Abstract
The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) potentiation, a concept in human biomechanics, plays a
crucial role in muscle performance. This experiment tests SSC potentiation in knee extensor
muscles using the isokinetic dynamometer. In addition, the study investigates SSC potentiation,
using 120 and 240 degrees/sec. At any velocity, there will be two to three tries of coupled
eccentric-concentric (CONSSC) contractions (i.e., SSC) after "isolated" (i.e., no previous
eccentric contraction) concentric contractions (4-5 attempts). The concentric peak torque (Nm)
is then recorded as data. Predictions include greater peak torque observed at the greater joint
angle (240) rather than the smaller angle (120). Two participants are used due to time
constraints and these measures on SSC potentiation will give an understanding of the
processes contributing to movement. In another exercise, the experiment investigates SSC
potentiation influence on flight time and jump height. Three distinct jump squat protocols: the
Squat Jump, Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ), and CMJ from a box, are all performed without
arm-swinging. The Optojump system records jump height as well as flight time. Predictions
include observing the lowest flight times at the Squat Jump, a higher mean data set in the
Counter-Movement Jump, and the highest mean data set in the countermovement jump from a
box. These protocols can portray how SSC potentiation impacts explosive power of the lower
limbs during the vertical jump. A sample size of 26 McMaster kinesiology students contributed to
the experiment. P≤0.05 between the two velocity groups in isolated concentric contractions with
there being mean peak torque at 129.308 Nm (SD = 45.3144) and 103.5 Nm (SD = 44.23) at
120 and 240 degrees/sec, respectively. In SSC concentric contractions, P>0.05. Respectively,
mean peak torque is 234 Nm (SD = 59.14) and 234 Nm (SD = 60.51) at 120 and 240
degrees/sec. In the jump variations, the symbol * in Table 1 shows a large difference between
group 1 and group 2, as well as group 3 and group 2 (P≤0.05). The mean flight time found in
group 1 (squat jump protocol) is 0.45s (SD= 0.0646) and in group 3 (CMJ from a box) it is 0.47s
(SD = 0.0704). Mean flight time in group 2 (CMJ) is 0.54s (SD = 0.0677). In conclusion, this
experiment examines SSC potentiation and the contribution towards performance in laboratory
conditions and athletic scenarios. The findings help reinforce our knowledge of the
biomechanical principles that dictate human movement and have applications in exercise
physiology.

Results Section
a. Figure 1 uses the isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex) to produce peak torque at various
velocities during isolated concentric contractions. Using a T-test for statistical analysis,
there is significant difference in the two velocity groups (P≤0.05). It was symbolized by
the * on the graph. The mean peak torque is 129.308 Nm (SD = 45.3144) and 103.5 Nm
(SD = 44.23) respectively at velocities at 120 and 240 degrees/sec. This shows a
19.96% decrease in force production in isolated concentric contractions.
b. Figure 2 uses the isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex) to produce peak torque at various
velocities during SSC concentric contractions. Using a T-test for statistical analysis,
there is no significant difference in the two velocity groups (P>0.05). Mean peak torque
is 234 Nm (SD = 59.14) at 120 degrees/sec and 234 Nm (SD = 60.51) at 240
degrees/sec, illustrating no change in force production during SSC concentric
contractions.

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

c. Using an ANOVA test for statistical analysis, the mean flight time (s) shown at the
various squat jump protocols is significantly different (P≤0.05). The mean flight time
found in group 1 (squat jump protocol) is 0.45s (SD= 0.0646) and in group 3 (CMJ from
a box) it is 0.47s (SD = 0.0704). This shows that they are not significantly different from
each other. However, the mean flight time in group 2 (CMJ) is 0.54s (SD = 0.0677),
significantly different from both groups 1 and 3, indicated with * on the table. This results
in a 16.67% increase from group 1 to group 2 mean flight time, as well as a 13%
decrease from group 2 to group 3 and the mean flight time associated with the groups.

200
180
160 *
Peak Torque (Nm)

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
120 240
Velocity (Degrees/Sec)

Isolated Concentric Contractions at 120 and 240

Degrees/Sec
Figure 1.
Peak torque (Nm) at different velocities in isolated concentric contractions. Sample size of n=26
(McMaster Kinesiology students). Isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex) is used for measuring
average concentric contraction torque produced at velocities of 120 and 240 degrees/sec. The *
symbol shows a significant difference in the velocity groups (P≤0.05). Overall, as velocity
increases, the peak torque decreases as it is displayed on the bar graph.

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

350

300
Peak Torque (Nm)

250

200

150

100

50

0
120 240
Velocity (Degrees/Sec)

SSC Concentric Contractions at 120 and 240

Degrees/Sec
Figure 2.
Peak torque released at various velocities in SSC concentric contractions. Sample size of n=26
(McMaster Kinesiology students). The isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex) is used to measure
average SSC concentric contraction torque generated at the velocities of 120 and 240
degrees/sec. There is no significant difference between the two velocity groups (P>0.05).

Flight Time From Different Squat Jump Protocols

Squat Jump Countermovement CMJ from a box
Jump (CMJ) *
Mean Flight Time (s) 0.45 0.54 0.47
Standard Deviation 0.064615504 0.067663527 0.070416594

Table 1.
Mean flight time (s) shown at various squat jump protocols. Sample size of n=26 (McMaster
Kinesiology Students). Squat jump protocols include the squat jump, the countermovement
jump, and the countermovement jump from a box. The symbol * shows a large difference
between group 1 and group 2, as well as group 3 and group 2 (P≤0.05).

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

Informal Discussion

1. State and describe the physiological mechanisms underlying SSC potentiation? [ /4]
SSC (Stretch-Shortening Cycle) potentiation is a physiological process occurring in skeletal
muscle during movements using the changeover from a quick eccentric (lengthening)
contraction to a concentric (shortening) contraction. It is used in activities like jumping, sprinting,
and many sports movements. Several mechanisms help contribute to the effects of SSC
potentiation, including the stretch reflex, elastic energy, activation of muscle fibers, crossbridge
involvement, and neural drive. When a muscle is rapidly stretched in an eccentric contraction, it
activates the stretch reflex, which involves muscle spindles. These are sensory receptors that
detect changes in muscle length. During a stretch, afferent neurons of the spindle send signals
to the spinal cord, which eventually ends in a reflexive contraction of the same agonist muscle.
Elastic energy is also stored during the eccentric phase when the muscle and associated
tendons are stretched. The stretching stores elastic potential energy and is released when the
concentric phase starts. Muscle activation also plays a role since the eccentric phase of the
SSC recruits more motor units (motor neurons and muscle fibers they innervate). This increased
motor unit recruitment leads to greater muscle activation and consequently, greater force
production during the subsequent concentric phase. With more myosin crossbridge
involvement, quick eccentric actions can allow for greater sensitivity in the following contraction,
especially as calcium is already present around the myofiber. Lastly, by utilizing the SSC, the
central nervous system improves its ability to recruit more motor units effectively during
movement. In summary, all can lead to greater force production in the subsequent concentric
contraction.

2. Using your results, did the amount of SSC potentiation differ between the two velocities?
What difference would you have expected and why (using literature to support your point)? [ /2]
The amount of SSC potentiation did not differ between 120 and 240 degrees/sec in experiment
2. It would be expected that at 240 degrees/sec, there would be a greater production of torque
due to there being a greater velocity than at 120 degrees/sec. This greater velocity in the
eccentric would produce a greater concentric torque value recorded due to the biomechanical
principles occurring within the myofiber such as myosin cross bridges having more force per
fewer cross bridges, greater negative braking from the eccentric, and a greater stretch from the
cytoskeletal proteins that wish to resist changing configurations in movement.

3. In addition to expressing SSC potentiation as a percent (relative) increase in peak torque, it

would be possible to express potentiation as an absolute increase in peak torque. For example,
in the sample calculation on page 2 (CONisolated = 160 Nm; CONSSC= 180 Nm), SSC
potentiation could have been calculated as 20 Nm instead of 12.5%. This (20 Nm) was the
absolute (i.e., units of measurement) increase in peak torque. Why is it better the express SSC
potentiation as a relative (%) increase in peak torque rather than an absolute increase? Provide
an example to support your argument. [ /2]
It is often preferred to express SSC (Stretch-Shortening Cycle) potentiation as a relative (%)
increase in peak torque over an absolute increase in peak torque for many reasons. It

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

normalises the data for individual variances in strength. Since different people may have
different absolute strengths, it is possible to compare potentiation fairly across a wide range of
subjects by expressing it as a percentage. Using percentages also makes it easier to compare
different groups of subjects, that will have variable factors such as muscle mass, body mass,
and different exposure to training stimuli. For example, if Athlete A and Athlete B take part in a
program designed to enhance SSC potentiation. Athlete A starts with a peak torque of 50 Nm,
and after the program, they achieve a 10% potentiation, resulting in a peak torque of 55 Nm.
Athlete B starts with a peak torque of 100 Nm and achieves a 10% potentiation, resulting in a
peak torque of 110 Nm. If you express potentiation in absolute terms, it might suggest that both
athletes benefited equally in this program. However, as a percentage, it's clear that Athlete A
experienced a more significant relative improvement despite having lower initial strength.

4. Using your results, which squat jump protocol produced the longest flight time? Explain why
this condition produced the longest flight time (using literature to support your point). [ /2]
Due to greater utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) more than a squat leap or a
regular countermovement jump, a countermovement jump from a box resulted in the longest
flight time. Stepping off the box initiates the eccentric phase of a countermovement jump from a
box, allowing the participant to stretch their leg muscles and store elastic energy. There isn't
much of an amortisation phase when the athlete lands and jumps immediately because the
eccentric and concentric phases happen so quickly. An extended flight duration and a more
potent concentric phase are the outcomes of this swift shift, which facilitates effective energy
transfer. Squat jumps, on the other hand, do not have an initial eccentric phase when elastic
energy is stored because they begin in a stationary position. Similarly, because there may not
be as much opportunity for a substantial eccentric phase from the starting position in a regular
countermovement jump, the athlete may not accomplish the same level of pre-stretching and
energy storage as in a jump from a box. Hence, in comparison to the other two jump types, the
countermovement jump from a box offers the benefit of optimising the SSC and, as a result,
produces the longest flight time.

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

Kinesiology 2C03 Lab 2

Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action

(Stretch Shortening Cycle Potentiation)

Fillable Data Collection Sheet:

Table 1. Isolated Concentric Contractions and Concentric Contractions by Prior

Eccentric Action (i.e., SSC)

CONiso (Nm) CONssc (Nm) SSC Potentiation (%)

Velocity 120 240 120 240 120 240
(Deg/Sec)
Participant 118.4 79.5 176.9 146. 49.41 84.78
1
Participant 97.6 74.1 206 188 111.07 153.71
2

Table 2. Jump height and flight time

Flight Time (s) Height (cm)

Protocol: Squat Jump 0.509 31.8
Protocol: CMJ 0.550 37.1
Protocol: CMJ from a box 0.579 40.2

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)
KIN 2C03: Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Fall 2023

References

Nederveen, J. (2023b). KINESIOL 2C03, Week 3, Lecture 7 – Twitch Summation.

https://avenue.cllmcmaster.ca/d2l/le/content/567266/viewContent/4346552/View

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Lab 2: Enhancement of Concentric by Prior Eccentric Action (Stretch Shortening
Cycle Potentiation)