Why Speed of Movement Matters Just as Much As Reps in Physical Therapy and Sports Performance
Why Speed of Movement Matters Just as Much As Reps in Physical Therapy and Sports Performance
In the world of physical therapy, sports performance, and rehabilitation, the traditional approach to strength training has long revolved around sets, reps, and percentage of max load. But there’s a missing piece one that’s just as important, if not more so: velocity, or the speed of movement during both concentric and eccentric contractions.
At Calibrate Physical Therapy in Fairfield, CT, we consistently emphasize that how fast an athlete moves a weight especially while recovering from injury can be a more telling and effective training parameter than how many times they move it. Whether you’re a post op ACL patient relearning neuromuscular control or a competitive athlete trying to return to peak explosive power, velocity matters.
⸻
The Science of Speed: Why Velocity Is Essential
Concentric contractions (lifting phase) and eccentric contractions (lowering phase) play different roles in both performance and recovery. Concentric speed reflects power production and motor unit recruitment, while eccentric speed reflects control, deceleration, and muscle-tendon resilience. When we train or rehab without considering how fast these movements occur, we’re ignoring a critical part of the neuromuscular system.
Key reasons why velocity should be tracked in physical therapy and rehabilitation:
1. Neuromuscular Efficiency
Fast concentric work improves rate of force development, which is critical for sprinting, jumping, and reacting. Eccentric control builds tendon health, joint stability, and deceleration capacity essential for returning to cutting, landing, and change of direction sports post injury.
2. Injury Prevention & Load Monitoring
A sudden drop in bar speed or Rate of For e Development during jumping in Force plates often reflects fatigue, compensation, or breakdown in form. When working at a high frequency to try and optimize rehabilitation tracking this in real-time helps physical therapists at Calibrate safely progress patients from rehab into performance without risking setbacks.
3. Rehabilitation Feedback
Following an injury, restoring speed symmetry between limbs is just as important as restoring range of motion or strength. For example, a patient post MCL sprain may have regained strength at low speeds but still show deficits at game like speeds this is where velocity tracking closes the gap.
4. Auto Regulation and Customization
Every athlete presents differently on any given day. Velocity-based training (VBT) allows physical therapists and performance coaches to adjust loading and volume based on real time readiness, rather than sticking to rigid percentage-based protocols.
Technology That Tracks Speed: Tools Used at Calibrate Physical Therapy
At Calibrate Physical Therapy, we integrate velocity based training tools into both rehabilitation and high level sports performance programming. These tools offer objective feedback to guide recovery and optimize output.
Here are a few key technologies that can be used to get an objective measure on Velocity:
1. Perch
A camera-based VBT system mounted on the rack, Perch provides live feedback on bar velocity, power, and range of motion without any tether or wearable. It’s ideal for team and multi-user environments.
Why we recommend it: No wires or attachments = seamless integration into therapy and training.
Best for: Monitoring concentric and eccentric speeds in compound lifts during return to play progressions.
2. Vitruve Encoder
A compact, tethered device that measures bar velocity with solid accuracy and portability.
Why we recommend it: It’s budget friendly and great for clinics without large setups.
Best for: Tracking eccentric speed in isolated movements like Nordic curls or tempo squats during injury rehab.
3. FORM Lifting Collar
A smart barbell collar that doubles as a velocity sensor. It syncs with an app to display real-time data.
Why we like it: It’s user-friendly and portable.
Best for: Athletes training at home or in small spaces under a remote rehab plan.
4. GymAware
An elite-level device with gold standard accuracy, often used in pro and collegiate settings.
Why it’s great: Detailed analytics and high reliability.
Best for: High-performance athletes rehabbing from complex injuries with tight return-to-play timelines.
How We Apply Velocity Based Training at Calibrate PT
At Calibrate Physical Therapy in Fairfield, CT, we’ve integrated VBT principles into our daily rehab protocols. Whether we’re working with a post op ACL patient rebuilding eccentric control during step-downs, or an overhead athlete regaining speed in their pressing mechanics, velocity is a key marker of readiness.
In early rehab, we use slow controlled eccentrics to build tendon integrity.
In late stage rehab, we track concentric and eccentric speed symmetry between limbs.
In return to sport, we use VBT to determine readiness for explosive drills and impact loading.
Final Thoughts: Shift the Focus from Quantity to Quality
Reps and sets matter but how fast you move matters just as much, if not more. Especially in rehabilitation, where restoring quality of movement is essential, tracking velocity provides insight into neuromuscular recovery and athletic readiness that reps alone can’t offer.
At Calibrate Physical Therapy, we believe in training smarter, not just harder. Integrating velocity based tools into rehab and performance programs helps us return athletes to sport faster, stronger, and safer.
Want to learn how VBT can enhance your rehab or training? Reach out to Calibrate Physical Therapy in Fairfield, CT where science meets movement.
