Direct measurement of power during one single sprint on treadmill

We tested the validity of an instrumented treadmill dynamometer for measuring maximal propulsive power during sprint running, and sought to verify whether this could be done over one single sprint, as shown during sprint cycling. The treadmill dynamometer modified towards sprint use (constant motor torque) allows vertical and horizontal forces to be measured at the same location as velocity, i.e. at the foot, which is novel compared to existing methods in which power is computed as the product of belt velocity and horizontal force measured by transducers placed in the tethering system. Twelve males performed 6 s sprints against default, high and low loads set from the motor torque necessary to overcome the friction due to subjects’ weight on the belt (default load), and 20% higher and lower motor torque values. Horizontal ground reaction force, belt velocity, propulsive power and linear force–velocity relationships were compared between the default load condition and when taking all conditions together. Force and velocity traces and values were reproducible and consistent with the literature, and no significant difference was found between maximal power and force–velocity relationships obtained in the default load condition only vs. adding data from all conditions. The presented method allows one to measure maximal propulsive power and calculate linear force–velocity relationships from one single sprint data. The main novelties are that both force and velocity are measured at the same location, and that instantaneous values are averaged over one contact period, and not over a constant arbitrary time-window.     

A dynamometer for evaluation of dynamic muscle work

The validation of a new dynamometer for evaluation of dynamic muscle work is presented. The device was based on a precise measurement of load displacements of any machine using gravitational loads as external resistance. It allowed, through a sensor consisting of an infrared photo interrupter, the calculation of velocity, force and power during concentric, eccentric and stretch-shortening cycle activity. To validate the dynamometer 33 male and female track and field athletes (12 throwers and 21 jumpers) participated in the study. The throwers (4 women and 8 men) were asked to perform half-squat exercises on a slide machine with a load of 100% of the subject's body mass. The day-to-day reproducibility of half-squat exercises gave a correlation coefficient ofr = 0.88, 0.97 and 0.95 for average push-off force (AF), average push-off velocity (AV), and average push-off power (AP) respectively. Comparison of half-squat measurements was performed against jumping and running test evaluation by the jumpers (7 women and 14 men). The interrelationships among the different variables studied demonstrated a strong correlation between AF, AV and AP and sprinting and jumping parameters (r = 0.53–0.97;P < 0.05–0.001). Using values of AF, AV and AP developed in half-squat exercises executed with different loads, ranging from 35% to 210% of the subject's body mass, it was also possible to establish the force-velocity and power-velocity relationships for both male and female jumpers. In any individual case, the maximal error due to the measurement system was calculated to be less than 0.3%, 0.9% and 1.2% for AF, AV, and AP respectively. Given the accuracy of the ergometer, the high reliability found between 2 days of measurements, and the specificity of the results it is suggested that the dynamic dynamometer would be suitable for evaluation of athletes performing specific skills. In addition, because single and multiple joint movements involving appropriate muscle groups can be easily performed, physiological characteristics could be evaluated for both athletic and rehabilitation purposes. Therefore, because of its simplicity of use and application, and its low cost the dynamometer would be suitable for both laboratory and field conditions.     

Force, speed and power output of the human upper limb during horizontal pulls

The purpose of the experiment was to examine how force, speed and power output of horizontal pulling with the upper limb was affected by the height of pull. Fourteen seated male subjects made horizontal pulls with maximal effort at eye, shoulder and elbow level from their positions of full reach when the trunk and shoulder girdle were rigidly constrained. Dynamic pulls were performed against a water-filled viscous dynamometer in which the resistance, proportional to the square of the velocity, could be varied. The height of pull had no significant effect on either static or dynamic performance. A force-velocity-position surface is presented which describes the conditions at the handle during the pulls. It confirms the importance of degree of reach upon the dynamic performance, and over a greater range of velocities than has been studied previously. A simple model shows that the similarity of performance at eye, shoulder and elbow heights is remarkable because they occur under very different biomechanical circumstances. The total work done in a complete pull increases with resistance. Peak power output is obtained against the same resistance (50 kg m-1) that was reported for elbow flexion and standing pulls.     

Kinetic comparison of free weight and machine power cleans

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the kinetic characteristics of the power clean exercise using either free weight or machine resistance. After familiarization, 14 resistance trained men (mean +/- SD; age = 24.9 +/- 6.2 years) participated in two testing sessions. During the initial testing session, one-repetition maximum performance (1RM) was assessed in either the free weight or machine power clean from the midthigh. This was followed by kinetic assessment of either the free weight or the machine power clean at 85% of 1RM. One week after the initial testing session, 1RM performance, as well as the subsequent kinetic evaluation, were performed for the alternate exercise modality. All performance measures were obtained using a computer-interfaced FiTROdyne dynamometer (Fitronic; Bratislava, Slovakia). Maximum strength (1RM) and average power were significantly greater for the free weight condition, whereas peak velocity and average velocity were greater for the machine condition (p < 0.05). Although peak power was not different between modalities, force at peak power (free weights = 1445 +/- 266 N, machine = 1231 +/- 194 N) and velocity at peak power (free weights = 1.77 +/- 0.28 m x s(-1), machine = 2.20 +/- 0.24 m x s(-1)) were different (p < 0.05). It seems that mechanical limitations of the machine modality (i.e., lift trajectory) result in different load capacities that produce different kinetic characteristics for these two lifting modalities.     

The effect of loading on kinematic and kinetic variables during the midthigh clean pull

The ability to develop high levels of muscular power is considered a fundamental component for many different sporting activities; however, the load that elicits peak power still remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to determine at which load peak power output occurs during the midthigh clean pull. Sixteen participants (age 21.5 ± 2.4 years; height 173.86 ± 7.98 cm; body mass 70.85 ± 11.67 kg) performed midthigh clean pulls at intensities of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) power clean in a randomized and balanced order using a force plate and linear position transducer to assess velocity, displacement, peak power, peak force (Fz), impulse, and rate of force development (RFD). Significantly greater Fz occurred at a load of 140% (2,778.65 ± 151.58 N, p < 0.001), impulse within 100, 200, and 300 milliseconds at a load of 140% 1RM (196.85 ± 76.56, 415.75 ± 157.56, and 647.86 ± 252.43 N·s, p < 0.023, respectively), RFD at a load of 120% (26,224.23 ± 2,461.61 N·s, p = 0.004), whereas peak velocity (1.693 ± 0.042 m·s, p < 0.001) and peak power (3,712.82 ± 254.38 W, p < 0.001) occurred at 40% 1RM. Greatest total impulse (1,129.86 ± 534.86 N·s) was achieved at 140% 1RM, which was significantly greater (p < 0.03) than at all loads except the 120% 1RM condition. Results indicate that increased loading results in significant (p < 0.001) decreases in peak power and peak velocity during the midthigh clean pull. Moreover, if maximizing force production is the goal, then training at a higher load may be advantageous, with peak Fz occurring at 140% 1RM.     

Power produced by maximal velocity elbow flexion

An analysis of horizontal elbow flexion at maximal velocity was made to determine how different loads affected power output. Twenty male subjects operated a specially constructed dynamometer initially performing a maximal effort isometric trial with the elbow fully extended and then three dynamic trials at each of three loads equal to 75, 50, and 25 per cent of the maximal isometric strength. Angular acceleration was used to calculate forearm torque, and power was obtained by taking the product of torque and angular velocity. Power was found to be a cubic function of time and a fourth-order polynomial function of angular displacement reaching a peak early in the movement. The 50 per cent load resulted in a higher peak level of power than either the 25 or 75 per cent loads.     

A constant-load ergometer for measuring peak power output and fatigue

A constant-load cycle ergometer was constructed that allows maximal power output to be measured for each one-half pedal revolution during brief, high-intensity exercise. To determine frictional force, an electronic load cell was attached to the resistance strap and the ergometer frame. Dead weights were attached to the strap's free end. Flywheel velocity was recorded by means of a magnetic switch and two magnets placed on the pedal sprocket. Pedaling resulted in magnetically activated switch closures, which produced two electronic pulses per pedal revolution. Pulses and load cell output were recorded (512 Hz), digitized, and stored on disk via microcomputer. Power output was later computed for each pair of adjacent pulses, representing average power per one-half pedal revolution. Power curves generated for each subject were analyzed for peak power output (the highest one-half pedal revolution average), time to peak power, power fatigue rate and index, average power, and total work. Thirty-eight males performed two 15-s tests separated by 15 min (n = 16) or 48 h (n = 22). Peak power output ranged from 846.0 to 1,289.1 W. Intraclass correlation analysis revealed high test-retest reliability for all parameters recorded on the same or different days (R = 0.91-0.97). No significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were noted between parameter means of the first and second tests. These results indicate that the ergometer described provides a means for conveniently and reliably assessing short-term power output and fatigue.     

Do force-time and power-time measures in a loaded jump squat differentiate between speed performance and playing level in elite and elite junior rugby union players?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the discriminative ability of rebound jump squat force-time and power-time measures in differentiating speed performance and competition level in elite and elite junior rugby union players. Forty professional rugby union players performed 3 rebound jump squats with an external load of 40 kg from which a number of force-time and power-time variables were acquired and analyzed. Additionally, players performed 3 sprints over 30 m with timing gates at 5, 10, and 30 m. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the fastest 20 and slowest 20 athletes, and elite (n = 25) and elite junior (n = 15) players in speed and force-time and power-time variables were determined using independent sample t-tests. The fastest and slowest sprinters over 10 m differed in peak power (PP) expressed relative to body weight. Over 30 m, there were significant differences in peak velocity and relative PP and rate of power development. There was no significant difference in speed over any distance between elite and elite junior rugby union players; however, a number of force and power variables including peak force, PP, force at 100 milliseconds from minimum force, and force and impulse 200 milliseconds from minimum force were significantly (p < 0.05) different between playing levels. Although only power values expressed relative to body weight were able to differentiate speed performance, both absolute and relative force and power values differentiated playing levels in professional rugby union players. For speed development in rugby union players, training strategies should aim to optimize the athlete's power to weight ratio, and lower body resistance training should focus on movement velocity. For player development to transition elite junior players to elite status, adding lean mass is likely to be most beneficial.     

Relationships between muscle power output using the stretch-shortening cycle and eccentric maximum strength

This study aimed to examine the relationships between muscle power output using the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) and eccentric maximum strength under elbow flexion. Eighteen young adult males pulled up a constant light load (2 kg) by ballistic elbow flexion under the following two preliminary conditions: 1) the static relaxed muscle state (SR condition), and 2) using the SSC with countermovement (SSC condition).Muscle power was determined from the product of the pulling velocity and the load mass by a power measurement instrument that adopted the weight-loading method. We assumed the pulling velocity to be the subject's muscle power parameters as a matter of convenience, because we used a constant load. The following two parameters were selected in reference to a previous study: 1) peak velocity (m x s(-1)) (peak power) and 2) 0.1-second velocity during concentric contraction (m x s(-1)) (initial power). Eccentric maximum strength by elbow flexion was measured by a handheld dynamometer.Initial power produced in the SSC condition was significantly larger than that in the SR condition. Eccentric maximum strength showed a significant and high correlation (r = 0.70) with peak power in the SSC condition but not in the SR condition. Eccentric maximum strength showed insignificant correlations with initial power in both conditions. In conclusion, it was suggested that eccentric maximum strength is associated with peak power in the SSC condition, but the contribution of the eccentric maximum strength to the SSC potentiation (initial power) may be low.     

Force–velocity,force–power relationships of bilateral and unilateral leg multi-joint movements in young and elderly women

The present study investigated force–velocity and force–power relationships of bilateral and unilateral knee-hip extension movement in young and elderly women. Twelve healthy young (age, 19–31 yr) and 12 healthy elderly (age, 60–82 yr) women performed bilateral and unilateral knee-hip extension movements on the dynamometer against loads controlled by the servo system. Under the isotonic force condition, force–velocity relationships were measured. The maximum isometric force (F_max), unloaded velocity (V_max) and power output (P_max) of the movements were calculated from extrapolating force–velocity and force–power relationships. F_max and P_max of bilateral and unilateral knee-hip extension movements were 20–30% lower in elderly than in young women. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in V_max between young and elderly women and between bilateral and unilateral movements. Bilateral deficit was larger as the generation of force was larger in both young and elderly women. Also, bilateral deficit of F_max and P_max were not different between young and elderly women. The results were that lower maximum power output of bilateral and unilateral leg multi-joint movements in elderly women did not depend on the intrinsic shortening velocity of muscle action, but largely on reduction in force generating capacity. This suggests the importance of preventing a loss of force generating capacity of muscles during leg multi-joint movements in elderly women.     

Predicting maximum eccentric strength from surface EMG measurements

The origin of the well-documented discrepancy between maximum voluntary and in vitro tetanic eccentric strength has yet to be fully understood. This study aimed to determine whether surface EMG measurements can be used to reproduce the in vitro tetanic force–velocity relationship from maximum voluntary contractions. Five subjects performed maximal knee extensions over a range of eccentric and concentric velocities on an isovelocity dynamometer whilst EMG from the quadriceps were recorded. Maximum voluntary (MVC) force–length–velocity data were estimated from the dynamometer measurements and a muscle model. Normalised amplitude–length–velocity data were obtained from the EMG signals. Dividing the MVC forces by the normalised amplitudes generated EMG corrected force–length–velocity data. The goodness of fit of the in vitro tetanic force–velocity function to the MVC and EMG corrected forces was assessed. Based on a number of comparative scores the in vitro tetanic force–velocity function provided a significantly better fit to the EMG corrected forces compared to the MVC forces (p?0.05), Furthermore, the EMG corrected forces generated realistic in vitro tetanic force–velocity profiles. A 58±19% increase in maximum eccentric strength is theoretically achievable through eliminating neural factors. In conclusion, EMG amplitude can be used to estimate in vitro tetanic forces from maximal in vivo force measurements, supporting neural factors as the major contributor to the difference between in vitro and in vivo maximal force.     

Mechanical power in running: a comparison of different approaches

The purposes of the present study were: (1) to compare four different methods of calculating mechanical power in running on the basis of comparable data over a wide range of running velocity; (2) to examine the linearity of the relation between mechanical power as calculated with the four methods and running velocity. Eight runners participated in the investigation (height: 1.82 +/- 0.03 m, body mass: 81.05 +/- 4.69 kg). A Kistler force platform registered all components of the ground reaction force (1000 Hz) during one foot ground contact, which was additionally video taped using two high-speed video cameras running at 120 Hz. Four different methods were used to calculate mechanical power. Two methods determined the mechanical power due to the work done on the athletes' center of mass and two were calculated from the motion of the athletes' segments. The four different methods provided different relations between mechanical power and running velocity. The calculations on the basis of kinematic data cannot be recommended to determine efficiency of movement. The methods based on ground reaction force measurements revealed significant linear relations (r = 0.90, r2 = 0.84) between running velocity and mechanical power.     

Human skeletal muscle fibre types and force: velocity properties

It has been reported that there is a relationship between power output and fibre type distribution in mixed muscle. The strength of this relationship is greater in the range of 3–8 rad · s^–1 during knee extension compared to slower or faster angular knee extensor speeds. A mathematical model of the force: velocity properties of muscle with various combinations of fast- and slow-twitch fibres may provide insight into why specific velocities may give better predictions of fibre type distribution. In this paper, a mathematical model of the force: velocity relationship for mixed muscle is presented. This model demonstrates that peak power and optimal velocity should be predictive of fibre distribution and that the greatest fibre type discrimination in human knee extensor muscles should occur with measurement of power output at an angular velocity just greater than 7 rad · s^–1. Measurements of torque: angular velocity relationships for knee extension on an isokinetic dynamometer and fibre type distribution in biopsies of vastus lateralis muscles were made on 31 subjects. Peak power and optimal velocity were determined in three ways: (1) direct measurement, (2) linear regression, and (3) fitting to the Hill equation. Estimation of peak power and optimal velocity using the Hill equation gave the best correlation with fibre type distribution (r > 0.5 for peak power or optimal velocity and percentage of fast-twitch fibres). The results of this study confirm that prediction of fibre type distribution is facilitated by measurement of peak power at optimal velocity and that fitting of the data to the Hill equation is a suitable method for evaluation of these parameters.     

A biomechanical model for analysis of muscle force,power output and lower jaw motion in fishes

Fish skulls are complex kinetic systems with movable components that are powered by muscles. Cranial muscles for jaw closing pull the mandible around a point of rotation at the jaw joint using a third-order lever mechanism. The present study develops a lever model for the jaw of fishes that uses muscle design and the Hill equation for nonlinear length-tension properties of muscle to calculate dynamic power output. The model uses morphometric data on skeletal dimensions and muscle proportions in order to predict behavior and force transmission mediated by lever action. The computer model calculates a range of dynamic parameters of jaw function including muscle force, torque, effective mechanical advantage, jaw velocity, bite duration, bite force, work and power. A complete list of required morphometrics is presented and a software program (MandibLever 2.0) is available for implementing lever analysis. Results show that simulations yield kinematics and timing profiles similar to actual fish feeding events. Simulation of muscle properties shows that mandibles reach their peak velocity near the start of jaw closing, peak force at the end of jaw closing, and peak power output at about 25% of the closing cycle time. Adductor jaw muscles with different mechanical designs must have different contractile properties and/or different muscle activity patterns to coordinate jaw closing. The effective mechanical advantage calculated by the model is considerably lower than the mechanical advantage estimated from morphological lever ratios, suggesting that previous studies of morphological lever ratios have overestimated force and underestimated velocity transmission to the mandible. A biomechanical model of jaw closing can be used to interpret the mechanics of a wide range of jaw mechanisms and will enable studies of the functional results of developmental and evolutionary changes in skull morphology and physiology.     

The effect of shortening history on isometric and dynamic muscle function

Despite numerous reports on isometric force depression, few reports have quantified force depression during active muscle shortening (dynamic force depression). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of shortening history on isometric force following active shortening, force during isokinetic shortening, and velocity during isotonic shortening. The soleus muscles of four cats were subjected to a series of isokinetic contractions at three shortening velocities and isotonic contractions under three loads. Muscle excursions initiated from three different muscle lengths but terminated at a constant length. Isometric force produced subsequent to active shortening, and force or shortening velocity produced at a specific muscle length during shortening, were compared across all three conditions. Results indicated that shortening history altered isometric force by up to 5%, force during isokinetic shortening up to 30% and shortening velocity during isotonic contractions by up to 63%. Furthermore, there was a load by excursion interaction during isotonic contractions such that excursion had the most influence on shortening velocity when the loads were the greatest. There was not a velocity by excursion interaction during isokinetic contractions. Isokinetic and isotonic power–velocity relationships displayed a downward shift in power as excursions increased. Thus, to discuss force depression based on differences in isometric force subsequent to active shortening may underestimate its importance during dynamic contractions. The presence of dynamic force depression should be realized in sport performance, motor control modeling and when controlling paralyzed limbs through artificial stimulation.     

Zeroing of six-component handrim dynamometer for biomechanical studies of manual wheelchair locomotion

A six-component handrim dynamometer (HRD) is a dynamometer that rotates around the wheel axle during measurements. For this kind of dynamometer, static zero level calibration is insufficient because the proportion of the forces (i.e. handrim weight and centrifugal force) measured by each sensor varies according to the angular position and velocity of the dynamometer. The dynamic calibration presented in this paper is based on the direct correction of the sensor signals using Fourier's polynomials that take into account the influences of both the handrim weight distribution on the sensors with respect to the wheel's angular position and the effect of the wheel's angular velocity. When these corrections were applied to the signals produced by the sensors while the HRD was rotating and no effort was being exerted on the handrim, the calculated forces and torques remained close to zero, as expected. Based on these results, the wheel dynamometer can be confidently used for studying manual wheelchair locomotion under various real conditions. The method could also be applied in other situations in which a dynamometer rotates during measurements.     

Drag force mechanical power during an actual propulsion cycle on a manual wheelchair

The object of this study was to compute the mechanical power of the resultant braking force during an actual propulsion cycle with a manual wheelchair on the field. The resultant braking force was calculated from a mechanical model taking into account the rolling resistances of the front and rear wheels. Both the resultant braking force and the wheelchair velocity were not constant during the propulsion cycle and varied according to the subject's fore-and-aft and vertical movements in the wheelchair. These variations had logical repercussions on the braking force mechanical power, which ranged from 20.6 to 34.5 W (mean = 29.6 W) during the propulsion cycle. The mechanical power was also calculated from the conditions of a classical drag test, by the product of the cycle mean velocity and a constant braking force corresponding to a 60% rear wheels distribution of the subject-and-wheelchair's weight. This second mechanical power (32.4 W) was 10% higher than the average of the instantaneous power. Beyond the need of a clear definition of the two phases of the propulsion cycle, this study showed that the assumption on wheelchair locomotion usually admitted on laboratory ergometers cannot be applied in field studies, and that the kinetic energy variations during the cycle propulsive phase should be considered for evaluating the subject's mechanical work and power.     

Force production by single kinesin motors

Motor proteins such as kinesin, myosin and polymerase convert chemical energy into work through a cycle that involves nucleotide hydrolysis. Kinetic rates in the cycle that depend upon load identify transitions at which structural changes, such as power strokes or diffusive motions, are likely to occur. Here we show, by modelling data obtained with a molecular force clamp, that kinesin mechanochemistry can be characterized by a mechanism in which a load-dependent isomerization follows ATP binding. This model quantitatively accounts for velocity data over a wide range of loads and ATP levels, and indicates that movement may be accomplished through two sequential 4-nm substeps. Similar considerations account for kinesin processivity, which is found to obey a load-dependent Michaelis-Menten relationship.     

Difference in kinematics and kinetics between high- and low-velocity resistance loading equated by volume: implications for hypertrophy training

Although it is generally accepted that a high load is necessary for muscle hypertrophy, it is possible that a low load with a high velocity results in greater kinematics and kinetics than does a high load with a slow velocity. The purpose of this study was to determine if 2 training loads (35 and 70% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) equated by volume, differed in terms of their session kinematic and kinetic characteristics. Twelve subjects were recruited in this acute randomized within-subject crossover design study. Two bouts of a half-squat exercise were performed 1 week apart, one with high load-low velocity (HLLV = 3 sets of 12 reps at 70% 1RM) and the other with low-load high-velocity (LLHV = 6 sets of 12 reps at 35% 1RM). Time under tension (TUT), average force, peak force (PF), average power (AP), peak power (PP), work (TW), and total impulse (TI) were calculated and compared between loads for the eccentric and concentric phases. For average eccentric and concentric single repetition values, significantly (p < 0.05) greater (～15-22%) PP outputs were associated with the LLHV loading, whereas significantly greater (～7-61%) values were associated with the HLLV condition for most other variables of interest. However, in terms of total session kinematics and kinetics, the LLHV protocol resulted in significantly greater (～16-61%) eccentric and concentric TUT, PF, AP, PP, and TW. The only variable that was significantly greater for the HLLV protocol than for the LLHV protocol was TI (～20-24%). From these results, it seems that the LLHV protocol may offer an equal if not better training stimulus for muscular adaptation than the HLLV protocol, because of the greater time under tension, power, force, and work output when the total volume of the exercise is equated.     

The effect of short-term isokinetic training on force and rate of velocity development

This study determines the effects of short-term isokinetic training on rate of velocity development (RVD) and force. Three groups were pre- and posttested for knee extension RVD and force at 1.04 (slow) and 4.18 rad.s(-1) (fast) on a Kin-Com dynamometer. The slow and fast groups completed 2 days of velocity-specific training, whereas the control group did not train. Four-way analysis of variance results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreases in RVD between pre- and posttests for the slow group at the slow velocity (RVD-1.25 +/- 0.04 degrees vs. 1.08 +/- 0.03 degrees ) and for the fast group at the fast velocity (RVD-14.24 +/- 0.33 degrees vs. 13.59 +/- 0.29 degrees ). Force exhibited no significant differences between testing days for any group. These results demonstrate that short-term isokinetic training results in velocity-specific RVD improvements. These acute RVD improvements may serve to offset strength deficits in power environments on the basis of the mutable relationship between force and velocity.