Optimum loading for maximizing muscle power output: the effect of training history

• Published in: European journal of applied physiology 2011-09, Vol.111 (9), p.2123-2130
• Main Authors: Pazin, Nemanja, Bozic, Predrag, Bobana, Berjan, Nedeljkovic, Aleksandar, Jaric, Slobodan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletes; Athletic Performance - physiology; Bicycling; Bicycling - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Calibration; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Health; Human Physiology; Humans; Load; Male; Muscle Strength - physiology; Muscles; Occupational Medicine/Industrial Medicine; Original Article; Performance evaluation; Physical education; Physical Education and Training; Physical Endurance - physiology; Physical Fitness - physiology; Power; Rehabilitation; Resistance Training - methods; Resistance Training - standards; Sedentary Lifestyle; Speed; Sports Medicine; Strength; Velocity; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Weight-Bearing - physiology; Work load; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1439-6319; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-1840-4

Although the effect of external load on the mechanical output of individual muscle has been well documented, the literature still provides conflicting evidence regarding whether the optimum loading (L opt ) for exerting the maximum muscle power output (MPO) could be different for individuals with different levels of strength and power. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of training history on L opt that maximizes MPO during the 6-s maximal cycling sprint test. Forty healthy young males (strength-and speed-trained athletes, and physically active and sedentary non-athletes) were tested on maximum strength, and on peak MPO when loaded 5–12% of body weight (BW). As expected, the strength trained and sedentary participants, respectively, revealed the highest and lowest strengths and MPO ( p