Athletes Utilize Compensatory Acceleration

The term compensatory acceleration means to lift a submaximal weight with maximal force or simply an individual’s intent to move a weight as fast as possible (Hatfield, 1982).  Compensatory acceleration is used to develop explosive power and has been around for quite some time.  Dr. Fred Hatfield aka “Dr. Squat” is credited with the discovery of compensatory acceleration.  Compensatory acceleration is incredibly important when training with free weights, especially to the competitive athlete.  By moving a weight as fast as possible, the athlete works to improve neuro-muscular efficiency.  A neuro-muscular efficient athlete is one who can recruit a large number of high threshold motor units simultaneously in order to complete a task such as moving a barbell in the gym or unleashing a big hit on the football field. 

As a Strength & Conditioning coach, it is important to make sure the athlete understands the importance of compensatory acceleration.  The Tendo unit can be used to provide instant feedback that lets the athlete know how fast they are moving a weight in the gym.  The Tendo unit measures an athlete’s power output in watts and m/s.  The higher the number the better!  The Tendo unit is an incredibly valuable piece of equipment in strength and conditioning and can be used to stimulate competition.  Even though two athletes may have a different weight on the bar, they can compete with each other to produce a greater power output.  For example, athlete A can have 400 lbs. on the bar while athlete B has only 300 lbs. on the bar, however athlete B may produce more power than athlete A.  Now not only are they competing on how much weight they are moving but how fast they are moving it which has even more carry over to the playing field.