Similar to HRV, the common “controller” of much of this variability is the nervous system, which we’ll uncomfortably oversimplify as “your brain”. if you hold a split squat for as long as you can, your brain will naturally rotate which motor units are active, and to what extent, in an effort to prolong your ability to hold the position). synchronization), and the rotation of motor units firing to maintain a given force output in any given position/pattern (e.g. Similar arguments can be made about the coordinated firing of multiple motor units (i.e. In other words, a more variable discharge allows for a more rapid accommodation/adjustment to force requirements. On the other hand, when a motor unit fires twice within a short period of time, known as a “doublet” discharge, force is increased faster and to a higher level than if those two impulses were spread further apart. On the scale of an individual motor unit, variability in firing patterns at low force levels may lead to less controlled movements this is particularly relevant for fine handling skills in older adults. There are several different ways to measure, and therefore discuss, the role of variability within the neuromuscular system. When we need to produce force, or move, the brain sends a signal down to a group of motor neurons, which signals the muscles to contract. It’s referred to as the smallest functional unit of the neuromuscular system. Motor units, for those of you that don’t read about neuroscience on the weekends (or slept through your freshman year anatomy course) is an individual motor neuron and all of the muscle fibers it innervates. Read more about how HRV can be used to influence your training here: BioForce HRV In the interest of simplicity, the brain controls heart rate, and in this instance, increased variability equates to better health. The rate at which the heart discharges is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which is subject to feedback/influence from a number of systems within the body. In fact, a decrease in HRV is predictive of death from a heart attack or heart failure. In reality, increased heart rate variability (HRV) was universally regarded as a positive measure. Of course, there are more credible ways to gain a deeper understanding of human physiology than ER and Grey’s Anatomy. Without a background in the area, I deferred back to hearing the steady “beeps” when people were monitored in a hospital setting on TV, and when things sped up or slowed, it was generally a disastrous sign. At the time, I would have assumed that a more variable heart rate would be problematic. The precedent for studying variability in neural firing rates stemmed largely from studying variability in heart rate. Be prepared to sweat.About 8 years ago I gave a presentation titled “Motor Unit Discharge Variability” for an Exercise Neuroscience class I was taking in grad school at UMass. If you think you’re pretty good at natural movement exercises, you’ll be shocked because you will soon see, you aren’t. The production is great and it’s sweaty fun none the less. I think when I’m stronger I will instead be challenged by it. lol! But, the nice thing about this is it’s something to really work “up to” and you won’t get bored. I only made it through the first two sections and then started dreading it due to it’s intense nature. Moving while crouching the bear chasing me will win. I thought I was in decent shape and good at getting up and down off the floor but in reality I kinda suck at it. But my word, when the next sections start with the MovNat instructor….**.hard. Wonderful that she opens each course section with very relatable explanations and how-to’s you will love it and learn. I chose the this partnered one with Katy because she’s easy to understand, I am familiar with her work and I knew that even if this course wasn’t for me I would learn something new from her. As someone who is moving more “naturally” and trying to stack more natural movements into my life I was intrigued by their courses. As a somewhat devout follower of Katy’s work I was up for a challenge.
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