Maximal Strength Levels Research Articles

Stronger together: towards constructive conversations about strength differences, gender, and sex

ABSTRACT The differences in strength development processes and maximum strength levels between cisgender men and women – i.e. the ‘strength gap’ – are considerably fraught topics, with significant implications for our broader understandings of sex and gender. The polarization of exercise science and sociocultural research about the relationships between strength, gender, and sex adds further challenges. As a result of their highly diverging conclusions on the strength gap as well as the general absence of communication between the two fields, it becomes nearly impossible to have meaningful discussions that acknowledge the not-just-biological, not-just-cultural complexities of strength development and maximal strength levels. To aid in connecting these seemingly disparate academic fields, this paper engages a biocultural reading of research on the strength training body. By framing the body as the ever-developing result of inextricably intertwined biological and cultural influences, this critical reading outlines the limitations of our current understandings of strength, illuminates areas of complexity and contradiction, demonstrates shared concepts, and suggests possible topics for boundary-crossing inquiry.

The Influence of Upper- and Lower-Body Maximum Strength on Swim Block Start, Turn, and Overall Swim Performance in Sprint Swimming.

Keiner, M, Wirth, K, Fuhrmann, S, Kunz, M, Hartmann, H, and Haff, GG. The influence of upper- and lower-body maximum strength on swim block start, turn, and overall swim performance in sprint swimming. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2839-2845, 2021-Maximum strength and speed strength are 2 major factors that determine a swimmer's performance, including swim start and turn performance, which directly impacts overall swim sprint performance. Nevertheless, data regarding the relationship between swimming performance and maximum strength are not consistent. Specifically, there are minimal data examining the relationship between maximal strength levels, start and turn performances in the scientific literature. This study was designed to determine the relationship between strength and specific markers of swim performance. Therefore, 14 moderate trained swimmers (male; 17.5 ± 1.6 years; mass: 70.2 ± 4.8 kg; height: 181.9 ± 5.7 cm) were tested for maximum strength in back squat and bench press, squat and countermovement jump performance, tethered swimming and swim performance (50- and 100-m crawl sprint, where start and turn performances were also analyzed). A multiple regression analysis was performed using the maximum strength data as predictors of 15-m start performance and swimming power. Furthermore, bivariate Pearson correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship between the strength and power variables and the swim variables. Maximum strength in the bench press and squat explained 50-65% of the performance variance in swimming power and start performance and 45-62% of the performance variance in 50-/100-m swimming performance. The results of this study demonstrated that maximum strength of the upper and lower limbs and jump height were strongly related to sprint swim performance. Therefore, maximum strength in squat and bench press should be included in strength tests, and that swimmers should incorporate lower- and upper-body strength and power training into their training schedule.

Optimizing Half Squat Postactivation Potential Load in Squat Jump Training for Eliciting Relative Maximal Power in Ski Jumpers.

Gołaś, A, Wilk, M, Stastny, P, Maszczyk, A, Pajerska, K, and Zając, A. Optimizing half squat postactivation potential load in squat jump training for eliciting relative maximal power in ski jumpers. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3010-3017, 2017-Training load manipulation in a single workout session can increase or decrease training effectiveness in terms of athletes' strength or power gains. In ski jumping, the complex training that elicits maximal power gains may take advantage of the postactivation potentiation (PAP) mechanism. The aim of this research was to evaluate the changes in rate of force development (RFD), rate of power development (RPD), and jump height during a complex training session consisted of the barbell half squat (Sq) as a conditioning exercise with loads ranged between 60 and 100% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), followed by a body weight squat jump (SqJ) as a performance task. The study was conducted with 16 elite athletes from the Polish National Ski Jumping Team, age 23 ± 8 years, body mass 56 ± 9 kg, and height 172 ± 12 cm. Complex training session started with the Sq at 60% of 1RM as the conditioning exercise, followed by 3 minutes of rest and the SqJ. The conditioning barbell half Sq was performed with 70, 80, 90, and 100% of 1RM with 5 minutes of rest. The differences in RFD occurred between an SqJ following the application of 80% of 1RM and all other SqJs (p = 0.01), and in RPD between SqJ without conditioning, SqJ after 60% of 1RM and 80% of 1RM (p = 0.02). On average, the most effective load in inducing PAP during ski jumpers' SqJ training is 80% of 1RM. The intensity of the conditioning exercise that elicits the greatest PAP effect should be individualized (60-100% 1RM), as it is dependent on the level of maximal strength.

Testing of the Maximal Dynamic Output Hypothesis in Trained and Untrained Subjects

The maximal dynamic output (MDO) hypothesis is a newly proposed concept, which suggests that the muscular system of the lower limbs is designed to produce maximal power output when performing countermovement vertical jumping (CMJ) at body mass as opposed to other loading conditions. However, it is unclear if the MDO concept can be applied to individuals with different levels of maximal strength. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if subjects, who have distinct differences in maximal strength, maximize CMJ power at body mass. Fourteen male strength-power trained subjects (squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM)-to-body mass ratio = 1.96 +/- 0.24) and 6 untrained male subjects (squat 1RM-to-body mass ratio = 0.94 +/- 0.18) completed CMJs with loads that were less than, equal to, and greater than body mass. Loads less than body mass were accomplished with a custom-designed unloading apparatus, and loads greater than body mass were accomplished with a barbell and weights. In both groups, mean values for CMJ peak and mean power were greatest during the body mass jump. Power outputs at body mass were significantly different (p <or= 0.05) than power outputs at various conditions of loading and unloading. These data support the MDO hypothesis and its application to individuals with significantly different 1RM-to-body mass ratios. Additionally, these data further support the idea that body mass CMJs are a theoretically sound way to train for power because of the maximal power outputs that are produced during this condition.

Comparison Between Linear and Daily Undulating Periodized Resistance Training to Increase Strength

To determine the most effective periodization model for strength and hypertrophy is an important step for strength and conditioning professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of linear (LP) and daily undulating periodized (DUP) resistance training on body composition and maximal strength levels. Forty men aged 21.5 +/- 8.3 and with a minimum 1-year strength training experience were assigned to an LP (n = 20) or DUP group (n = 20). Subjects were tested for maximal strength in bench press, leg press 45 degrees, and arm curl (1 repetition maximum [RM]) at baseline (T1), after 8 weeks (T2), and after 12 weeks of training (T3). Increases of 18.2 and 25.08% in bench press 1 RM were observed for LP and DUP groups in T3 compared with T1, respectively (p < or = 0.05). In leg press 45 degrees , LP group exhibited an increase of 24.71% and DUP of 40.61% at T3 compared with T1. Additionally, DUP showed an increase of 12.23% at T2 compared with T1 and 25.48% at T3 compared with T2. For the arm curl exercise, LP group increased 14.15% and DUP 23.53% at T3 when compared with T1. An increase of 20% was also found at T2 when compared with T1, for DUP. Although the DUP group increased strength the most in all exercises, no statistical differences were found between groups. In conclusion, undulating periodized strength training induced higher increases in maximal strength than the linear model in strength-trained men. For maximizing strength increases, daily intensity and volume variations were more effective than weekly variations.

ACUTE STRETCHING INHIBITS STRENGTH ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE

The purpose of this study was to investigate strength endurance performance after acute static stretching exercises. Twenty-six college students participated in this study. Each participant performed the following two routines in a random order: 1) a sit and reach test to test hamstring flexibility followed by a maximal hamstring strength endurance test, 2) a pre sit and reach test, a 20-minute static stretching exercise session for hamstring and calf muscles followed by a post sit and reach test and a maximal hamstring strength endurance test, which was performed 10 min post stretching. These two routines were separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Both of the hamstring strength endurance tests were administered using a load of 60 % of one's body weight. A partner-assisted static stretching routine was administered for hamstring and calf muscles using a 30-sec static stretching followed by 30-sec relaxation for a total of 10 minutes each. The results were as follows:TableA paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. A 20-minute static stretching exercises caused a significant decrease in number of repetitions in the hamstring strength endurance test. The loss of endurance could be due to some metabolic alterations or inhibition in the nervous system. It could also be due to a decrease in maximal strength levels after heavy stretching exercises, which have been reported previously by this research group. It is recommended that heavy static stretching exercises lasting for 10 minutes for a muscle group should be avoided prior to any performances requiring maximal strength endurance effort.

Examination of force-production properties during static explosive grip based on force-time curve parameters.

The present study attempts to clarify the properties of force-time curves in the force-development phase during static explosive grip exertion and to determine force-time parameters in relation to static explosive strength. 80 healthy young males (age 17.8 +/- 2.5 yr.) exerted maximal isometric force as fast and forcefully as possible. In total, 21 variables, e.g., time to fixed level, integrated area, average force, integrated area to fixed time, force at the maximal rate of force development, and maximal rate of force development, were selected as force-time parameters. Good reliability was obtained for average force in force levels above 90% of maximal strength (.64-.93), integrated area to a fixed time of 1.0-2.0 sec. (.86-.93), force at the maximal rate of force development (.67), and maximal rate of force development (.73). In addition, these values correlated closely with maximal grip strength (r= .65-.93). Further, significant differences in maximal grip strength, average force in force levels above 90% of maximal strength, integrated area to fixed time, and force at the maximal rate of force development were found among three groups categorized by average force in force levels of maximal strength. These results suggested that individual differences were present in the force-time curve patterns during the force-development phase of static explosive grip exertion and that the average force in force levels of maximal strength might be a valuable tool for evaluating static explosive strength.

Changes in motor commands, as shown by changes in perceived heaviness, during partial curarization and peripheral anaesthesia in man.

1. The centrally generated ;effort' or direct voluntary command to motoneurones required to lift a weight was studied using a simple weight-matching task when the muscles lifting a reference weight were weakened. This centrally generated input to motoneurones was increased when the lifting muscles were partially paralysed with curare or decamethonium as judged by the increased perceived heaviness of a reference weight lifted by the weakened muscles.2. If subjects were asked simply to make matching isometric contractions when the lifting muscles were weakened the isometric tension produced by a weakened muscle was over-estimated.3. When subjects matched weights by flexing the distal joint of the thumb the perceived heaviness of a reference weight during a control partial curarization was compared with its perceived heaviness during a similar partial curarization when the thumb was also anaesthetized. At any level of maximal strength during curarization the perceived heaviness (which reflects the motor command to lifting motoneurones) was increased when the thumb was anaesthetized.4. This increased voluntary command to lifting motoneurones may be required because automatic reflex assistance provided by apparent servo action from the long flexor of the thumb is suppressed by anaesthesia of the thumb (Marsden, Merton & Morton, 1971, 1973, 1976a; Dyhre-Poulsen & Djørup, 1976).