FORCE-VELOCITY RELATIONSHIP OF LEG EXTENSORS OBTAINED FROM THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOAD

Abstract

The first aim of this study was to evaluate the shape of force-velocity (F-V) relationships in case of gravitational (W), inertial (I) and combined (W+I) type of load assessed from squat jump (SJ) performed on a modified Smith machine. The second aim was to determine whether there were differences between the same parameters (maximal force, F0; maximal velocity, V0; maximal power, P0) obtained from linear F-V relationship among three different loads. The third aim was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the parameters F0 obtained from different types of load in SJ, with maximum isometric force in squat (Fiso), as well as one repetition maximum in squat (1RM). Fifteen male participants were tested in SJ with three different types of load, squat for obtaining 1RM and isometric squat for obtaining the Fiso. The observed F-V relationships were exceptionally strong and approximately linear (median r ≥ 0.98) independently of used load. The differences between same parameters of different types of load were determined in parameters F0 and V0, while there were no differences between P0. Regarding third aim, concurrent validity for F0 showed to be moderate to high and significant in all 3 types of load (r ≥ 0.56), except between F0 and Fiso in W type of load, where it was non-significant (r ≥ 0.47). The significance of the study reflects in better understanding of the mechanisms of the functioning of muscle system in case of different types of load. Future studies should investigate the impact of different types of load to kinetic and kinematic parameters in case of different motoric tasks and muscle groups.