Evidence Based Design
In 2019, The Hyper Stride ™ was created out of the need to solve a skill specific movement problem. Due to the universal, connected nature of the body, solving the initial problem meant there would be a way to solve the next one. This logic is similarly applied in mathematics and physics, whereas having the required information and process allows you to solve even the most complex equations. Thus, the invention of the Hyper Stride (and related coaching process) is rooted in the scientific method:
Observation (of the athlete)
Identify the problem (limitation)
Research the variables
Design a solution
Test and Retest
Concluding results
Since the athlete’s evolution is constant, so too are the training needs. A dynamic, modular design that matched the dynamic needs of athlete was the next challenge in the aftermath of the initial concept. The evidence presented in this chapter was used to refine and improve and equip the Hyper Stride ™ to meet the variable training needs of athletes across a multitude of movement styles and sports. Inspired by the same scientific process that lead to the conception of the device, the literature and industry trends required the very same treatment at scale:
Observation
When observing and identifying limitations for the athlete, known variables are measured in the 3 planes of motion- the sagittal, frontal and transverse plane. Thus, designing a solution is testable and standardized within these boundaries. The desired outcome is to drive adaptations that will theoretically improve athletic performance, thus a tolerance for sport.
3 examples of observations that limit the athlete are:
Frontal Plane- a jumping athlete who displays valgus collapse of the knee
Sagittal Plane- A throwing athlete who drifts forwards after the lead leg lands
Transverse Plane- A golfer who lacks a an equal back-swing to forward swing
From a technical standpoint, these athletic limitations are observed and measured in just 1 of the 3 planes, although the “digging for answers” has only just begun. The body is one connected network or chain, where change or stimulus in 1 place creates change in all places. This is where “art” meets “science” in the realm of program design. A great deal of research and experience with the athlete is required before jumping to a conclusion, however a system based approach that allows for accurate observation is a good place to start.
Solution design
The dynamic modular design of the Hyper Stride is equipped to support solutions in all 3 planes of motion. The Hyper Stride’s top, the Z- Board and Z3 Board features a rigid surface dimension to support variable single foot AND shoulder width grip-hand placement. With open-palm placement, the athlete stabilizes over-head shoulder flexion without support of the larger superficial muscles of the arm. This targets critical structures such as the shoulder scapulae and obliques when performing the Flexion Curl. The evidence supporting the design is found in basic human body data, which provides the average human shoulder span to be roughly 17 inches wide.
The Hyper Stride’s base, The X-1 Chassis is designed to reduce friction or drag during gliding exercises. Shear stress occurs when forces move in opposing directions, which places joints under an undesirable load. Therefore, by reducing friction via the wheel, the intent and execution of training is direct. Without the need to overcome surface drag, the intended muscles are activated. The linear fashioned wheels permit the athlete to apply maximum pressure through the board during exercise. The X-1 can be adjusted to remove the wheels for exploration in either the rotational plane (Pivot Series) or of Impulse Capacity (isometric strength). For the rotational athlete, these combined Modes (3 and 4) create an accentuated training effect specific to sport.
“Accentuation involves increasing muscular strength at the angular position in which peak forces are developed (Zatziorsky 1995)”.
The benefit of supporting shoulder width hand placement as well as single foot placement atop the Z-Board is that you now have just “1 stone” to “deal with” multiple “birds”. A familiar yet re-imagined training experience may naturally emerge within the current time tested practiceBy removing the top, the athlete/coach can explore Sagittal Plane (SP) skills, as well as Impulse (strength:time) capacities.
In summary, The 4 Modes allow for the thorough investigation into the athlete’s “problems within problems”, or “style”, depending on the drawn conclusions:
Problems within problems- the athlete displays errors in the realm of sport that coincide with the errors in the training setting.
Style- the athlete displays errors in sport that do not match errors in training and vice versa.
Even if the latter is true, errors in training or on the field may need to be addressed to preserve the long term integrity of development. This concept is explored specifically for the baseball athlete in the next series of entries titled;
Absolute Development