Influence of Training on the Force-Velocity Relationship of the Arm Flexors of Active Sportsmen

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of specific types of muscle training, performed by previously well-trained competitive athletes, on the force-velocity relationship of the arm flexors.

Four rowers, five athletes competing in tug-of-war, and six middle- and long-distance runners were measured at different stages of their training program during the period of 1 training year. The runners performed no special arm training and were included for comparative purposes. A record was made of the type and intensity of training. The force-velocity curve (FVC) was established by measuring the torques (M) and corresponding angular velocities (ω) of maximal arm flexions against different constant torques. Using Hill's equation: (M+a) (ω+b) = constant, a best fitting curve was calculated through the points of measurement.

Two-way analysis of variance revealed only few statistically significant (P < 0.05) changes in the parameters describing the course of the FVC. The results suggest that the force-velocity characteristics of muscle of previously well-trained sportsmen can hardly be influenced.

Key words

force velocity relationship - arm flexors - strength training