Spiral Out Podcast

Smoothness:Complexity

In this episode we elaborate a little more on the topic of movement smoothness or complexity. We discuss very briefly how it is measured within studies, then give examples of how you see varying degrees of movement smoothness when watching low and high skill level athletes.

Complexity of movement is used interchangeably with movement smoothness: 

High Complexity = Smooth movements

Low Complexity = Rigid or jerky movements

 

We recommend first reading this article below:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40798-019-0215-y

 

Some additional readings: 

https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2020/11000/Physiological_Evidence_That_the_Critical_Torque_Is.14.aspx
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/jphysiol.2015.284380
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/ajpregu.00019.2016
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/EP086960
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/EP087295
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.14814/phy2.14240

 

Intro to Movement Smoothness

Trying to explain movement smoothness can be difficult. It is more easily observed then it is articulated. "You know what it is when you see it". In this episode we introduce movement smoothness, differentiate movement efficiency versus movement smoothness, as well discuss how we came to this topic and why we find it interesting. 

PBM: Grand Unifying Theory?

In this episode we discuss some of the limitations that arise when trying to apply the Psychobiological Model to the sport of CrossFit and Fitness. We also elaborate on how we believe the Power Duration Relationship and the Psychobiological Model, when used synergistically, can help explain an individual's performance and competitive behavior in the sport of fitness. 

PBM: Other Variables

In the episode we elaborate on more variables included within the psychobiological model.  

PBM: Motivation

In this episode we discuss motivation and how it fits into the psychobiological model when interpreting athletic performance. We also discuss Brehm's distinctions between potential motivation and motivational intensity (link below), and provide real examples of how they are displayed in CrossFit. Motivation is obviously an important factor in any athletic endeavor and we hope this episode offers a different way to think about motivation. 

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280683142_Refining_the_prediction_of_effort_Brehm's_distinction_between_potential_motivation_and_motivation_intensity

PBM: Sense of Effort

In this episode we talk about some of the outside factors that affect your sense of effort when training or competing. We elaborate on how sleep, nutrition, and life stress can alter the outcome of a given task from a purely psychological perspective. We also discuss how you can decrease your sense of effort by controlling some of these outside factors.

Intro to PBM

In this episode we discuss the Psychobiological Model as explained by Sam Marcora. How does one's physiology interplay with their psychology, and how does this affect the outcome? The next few episodes we will explain the Psychobiological Model in depth and how we think of the model when designing training. 

Power-Duration: Variables and Limitations

In this episode we take a look at variables and limitations when trying to use the Power-Duration theory to predict performance in CrossFit. If you haven't listened to the previous episodes on Power-Duration, you will want to go back before listening to this one. We also briefly hint at what our next episode will be about. 

Power-Duration: Duty Cycle

In this episode we continue our discussion on the power duration relationship focusing on the concept of duty cycle. Duty cycle refers to a work to rest ratio that can be used to mathematically predict failure/fatigue at a given task. We then explain why we think this concept can be used when discussing pacing in CrossFit. 

#OutsideTheBox

In this episode Michael talks about the history of his fitness competition known as Outside The Box. The purpose of this episode was to explain how the competition came to be, as well as discussing the format that Michael uses to develop the events.