What is meant by specificity principle: -
Definition:
The adaptive effects of training in improvement of strength, power and
endurance is highly specific to the training method employed.
Description:
Specificity of training should be considered with respect to ....
1. The desired function
2. The mode of contraction
3. The velocity of exercise
4. And the range
EX: 1
If the desired functional activity requires greater muscular endurance than
strength, intensity and duration of exercise should be geared.
EX: 2
If the functional outcome is to ascend and descend stairs then exercise should be
performed concentrically and eccentrically in a closed kinematic chain pattern.
EX: 3
Swimming may enhance performance in swimming but
may not improve treadmill running
EX: 4
Isotonic strength training performed
Concentrically primarily improves concentric muscle strength and
Eccentric training primarily improves eccentric muscle strength
Ex: 5
The range at which strength training performed is the range at which
strength gains occur.
The basis of specificity training is related to -
Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands (SAID)
They are -
1. Physiological and morphological adaptation within the muscle
2. Metabolic adaptation
3. Neural adaptation
4. Motor learning
Back to table of contents