Abstract
Maximal muscular power production is of fundamental importance to human functional capacity and feats of performance. Here, we present a synthesis of literature pertaining to physiological systems that limit maximal muscular power during cyclic actions characteristic of locomotor behaviours, and how they adapt to training. Maximal, cyclic muscular power is known to be the main determinant of sprint cycling performance, and therefore we present this synthesis in the context of sprint cycling. Cyclical power is interactively constrained by force-velocity properties (i.e. maximum force and maximum shortening velocity), activation-relaxation kinetics and muscle coordination across the continuum of cycle frequencies, with the relative influence of each factor being frequency dependent. Muscle cross-sectional area and fibre composition appear to be the most prominent properties influencing maximal muscular power and the power-frequency relationship. Due to the role of muscle fibre composition in determining maximum shortening velocity and activation-relaxation kinetics, it remains unclear how improvable these properties are with training. Increases in maximal muscular power may therefore arise primarily from improvements in maximum force production and neuromuscular coordination via appropriate training. Because maximal efforts may need to be sustained for ~15-60 s within sprint cycling competition, the ability to attenuate fatigue-related power loss is also critical to performance. Within this context, the fatigued state is characterised by impairments in force-velocity properties and activation-relaxation kinetics. A suppression and leftward shift of the power-frequency relationship is subsequently observed. It is not clear if rates of power loss can be improved with training, even in the presence adaptations associated with fatigue-resistance. Increasing maximum power may be most efficacious for improving sustained power during brief maximal efforts, although the inclusion of sprint interval training likely remains beneficial. Therefore, evidence from sprint cycling indicates that brief maximal muscular power production under cyclical conditions can be readily improved via appropriate training, with direct implications for sprint cycling as well as other athletic and health-related pursuits.
Highlights
Feats of strength, speed and power have captivated humans for millennia and every 4 years, Olympic events (2021) 7:48 which exhibit the limits of human performance are followed with intent by millions internationally
Maximal muscular power during cyclic contractions is limited by force-velocity and activation-relaxation characteristics, fatigue resistance and coordination amongst joints and muscles [26, 57]
Maximal force and rate of force development may be most critical to power production [51], and as frequency increases to optimal frequency and beyond, maximal shortening velocity, activation-relaxation kinetics and muscle coordination likely play an increasingly prominent role [52]
Summary
Maximal muscle power production under cyclical conditions is interactively constrained by forcevelocity properties, activation-relaxation kinetics and muscle coordination across the continuum of possible movement frequencies. Fatigue alters the power-frequency relationship, with a higher degree of power loss at higher movement frequencies. Maximal muscular power production can be readily increased with appropriate strength and power training; it remains less clear if rates of power loss during brief maximal sustained efforts can be improved with training
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