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One of the interesting pieces of feedback from coaches is the use of wearable resistance (WR) as a coaching corrective tool. It seems that strategic placement of load can bring the athlete’s attention to a faulty movement pattern, meaning that the athlete can self-correct with less, or minimal input from the coach. This is called implicit learning and is a more powerful way to learn and retain information.

This from Nick Winkelman previous Director of Education for EXOS commenting on WR.“Allows us to load the body in a way that provides sensory information about a specific error. This encourages the motor system to “organise movement” in a manner that is optimal for the task. The net result allows the athlete to learn through experience and reduces unnecessary information coming from the coach…It becomes a physical cue.”

Also, from Jeremy Sheppard when he was Head of Strength and Conditioning at Surfing Australia. “We may be able to use very light resistance to create a greater awareness of movement, leading to more effective movement patterns. If so, this allows us another tool to use implicit learning techniques.”

Food for thought!