Rate of Force Development Scaling Factor in Hamstring Muscles: Feasibility and Relationship to Deadlift Performance among Resistance Trained Individuals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship among hamstring peak force (PF), rate of force development scaling factor (RFD-SF), countermovement jump (CMJ), and one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength in recreationally trained individuals, as well as to establish the feasibility of RFD-SD assessment for knee flexor muscles. Eighteen volunteers (12 males, 27.3 ± 5.2 years, 6 females, 24.4 ± 3.1 years) participated in the study. Participants performed a knee flexion maximal isometric voluntary contraction and followed a standard RFD-SF protocol. The 1RM for the deadlift was assessed to determine maximal dynamic strength, while CMJ was used to evaluate explosive movement capability. The study found no significant correlations between RFD-SF, CMJ, and 1RM. Additionally, it was observed that RFD-SF in the hamstring muscles can be effectively assessed (mean R2 = 0.92). In addition, RFD-SF was not different between men and women, which highlight its potential as sex-independent measure of knee flexor muscle function. Future research should involve a more diverse group of athletes to further investigate the relationships among RFD-SF, strength, and explosive movements like CMJ for more comprehensive insights.