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Latest Articles

"Building bigger and stronger rugby players - the Sydney University experiment"

"The role of synchronised hip and knee joint angles in efficient squatting "

"World champion rowers use ScrumTruk for strength training"

"Basic strength training the key to success for Sydney University rugby"

"A biomechanical model for estimating moments of force at hip and knee joints in the barbell squat"

"Body height in the rugby scrum: the value of equal hip and knee joint angles"

 

(The HipneeThrust has been superceded by the MyoThrusta)

MyoQuip MyoThrusta accommodating resistance lying leg press

The MyoThrusta  is the first release in MyoQuip's Myo range of strength equipment which embodies direct-linkage force transmssion through heavy duty industrial bearings. It replaces the HipneeThrust in our product range.

Unique features and performance characteristics of the MyoThrusta:

  • Fully recumbent exercise position.
  • Comfortable and natural body position throughout the full range of movement ensuring no adverse loading on spine, hips or knees.
  • Exercise movement range from extreme flexion of hip and knee joints to full extension.
  • Utilises MyoQuip's patented technology providing effective activation of hip and knee extensors over the full range of movement
  • Synchronised joint angles distribute load evenly between hip and knee extensors.
  • Pin adjustment of the rate of change of load providing multi-functionality of the apparatus.
  • Intuitive operation - no requirement for instruction in correct technique.
  • No danger of exerciser being trapped under excessive load.
  • No stress on ankle joint - no imposed dorsiflexion of the ankle.
  • Ideal for rehabilitation of hip or knee joints.

    High functionality for developing and strengthening leg extensors

    The leg extensors - primarily the gluteus maximus and quadriceps - constitute the body's largest and most powerful muscle group. They are also vitally important for a wide range of athletic and sporting activities.

    Martin Harland in start position of the MyoThrusta hip and knee extensor strength developer

    Traditional methods of developing and strengthening leg extensors include the barbell squat and the leg press and leg extension machines. However each of these has significant limitations. They do not adequately exercise the muscles from full flexion to full extension, and there are also issues associated with adverse loading and excessive shear forces on the lumbar region and knee joints. The MyoThrusta  has been designed to overcome these problems.

    As can be seen in the figure at left the athlete operates from a supine position so that the action of the extensors can be effectively isolated. The recumbent position also means that the spine can comfortably cope with the compressive forces generated.

    The arc through which the foot plate of the machine moves is designed to closely parallel the path that the feet would normally traverse if moved from flexion to extension without resistance. It also creates a natural tendency for the two joint angles to vary synchronously so that they are effectively sharing the load throughout the exercise movement.

    Exercises the total range of limb movement

    Tom Carter demonstrates the deep flexed position on the MyoThrusta hip and knee extensor strength developer

    It can be seen that at the start position both hip and knee joints can be tightly flexed. As the feet move forward the trunk and shanks remain virtually parallel until the legs are fully extended. Thus the potential range of movement is from included angles of around 30° to 180°. (In fact, by starting with the feet placed low on the footplate it is possible to hyper-extend the hips beyond 180°.) Throughout this extreme range of movement high range muscle fibre recruitment is achieved by means of our patented technology.

    With an exercise like the squat or a machine such as the conventional leg press, exercisers attempting heavy loads tend to restrict themselves to modest degrees of hip and knee flexion. This is because as joint flexion increases, the exerciser's capacity to cope with resistance decreases. By contrast, with the MyoThrusta the effective load is automatically reduced when the joints are flexed and increased as they extend.

    Martin Harland demonstrates the fully extended position on the MyoThrusta hip and knee extensor strength developer

    Multi-functionality

    The rate at which the effective resistance changes is varied by selecting different pin positions on the adjustment bar.

    With mid-range pin settings the effective load from the start of the movement to full lockout is intended to match the body's capacity to handle resistance, so that the exerciser has to expend basically the same degree of effort throughout the movement.

    With low-range pin settings the increase in effective load from start to finish of the exercise movement is greatly increased. These notch settings are ideal for practising explosive or ballistic movements. When utilising heavy loads there is a "ballistic braking" effect toward the end of the movement, eliminating the need for the exerciser to decelerate.

    High-range pin settings are ideal when the focus is on overcoming inertia, i.e., moving a heavy load from a position of rest. For example, if the objective is to improve performance in the barbell squat, the additional initial loading conditions the leg extensors to operate more effectively in the deep squat position.

    Laying a foundation of basic strength

    Until the introduction of the HipneeThrust athletes had no means of developing optimal muscle strength through the full range of a complex bi-articular movement. The MyoThrusta provides an even more effective way to adequately strengthen the major extensor muscles of the lower limbs before focussing on sport- and activity-specific tasks. This results in obvious and significant performance and injury-reducing benefits.

    Contact MyoQuip for further information or to obtain a quotation on the MyoThrusta. If you are located outside Australia we can quote in your own currency with alternative shipment options.

    For up-to-the-minute information about Myoquip and discussion of strength-related issues visit MyoQuip Blog - strength equipment, rugby football

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