What do you guys think about this research comparing stable vs. unstable training surfaces?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?db=pubmed&cmd=link&linkname=pubmed_pu…
Nearly all of the research in this search says there is either no statistical difference in effectiveness or “The diminished force output suggests that the overload stresses required for strength training necessitate the inclusion of resistance training on stable surfaces.”
Very nice thread Chris.
I don’t know of any research that substantiates that peripheral strength gains can be improved by training on an unstable surface.
It would seem that force production would be compromised on an unstable surface. One of the first things that we do if we are carrying something and feel as if we are going to fall is to drop the object (unless it is a baby).
Thanks for the research.
Strength stabilization can be better achieved with unstable surfaces.
However, as Natalie mentioned, pure strength should be done on stable surfaces to provide more safety.
As an example, people bench pressing should ALWAYS keep their feet on the ground. Last thing you want is to drop too much weight on your chest.
Hi Sheri,
Are you suggesting that there is a general “balance” skill that is trainable and not specific to the movement and exercise, itself? Or transferable to other activities than the exercise?
The principle of specificity doesn’t seem to support that notion. I don’t mean to repeat my previous post, but this applies exactly to what we were talking about.
“A common misconception is that fundamental abilities can be trained through various drills and other activities…For example, athletes are often given various ‘quickening’ exercises, with the hope that these exercises would train some fundamental ability to be quick, allowing quicker response in their particular sport. There are two correct ways to think of these principles.
First, there is no general ability to be quick, to balance, or to use vision…Second, even if there were such general abilities, they are, by definition, genetic and not subject to modification through practice…A learner may acquire additional skill at a drill…but this learning does not transfer to the main skill of interest” (Schmidt, 1991, p. 222).”
Schmidt, R. A. (1991). Motor learning and performance: From principle to practice. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.