Force-Velocity Relations in Human Skeletal Muscle

Abstract

Based on the physiological principles of the muscular force-velocity concept, this paper deals with the special problems associated with determining and interpreting force-velocity relations of muscles in situ particularly in humans. In the strict sense, instead of force-velocity relations merely torque-angular velocity relations of a joint can be measured directly under in situ conditions. This calls for biomechanical model calculations to obtain force-velocity relations of single muscles involved in joint motions. In addition to discussing these basic principles, the methodological problems arising in measurements with so-called isokinetic dynamometers are also explicitly described. An important message of this paper is to sensitize potential users of this method to these problems as the isokinetic dynamometry has more or less become standard procedure worldwide. The possibility of the characterization of muscle fiber composition and the evaluation of power on the basis of human muscle force-velocity relations is also discussed. A final section considers the effects of muscle training on the torque-angular velocity relations. The contents of this paper can be understood as a guide to avoid obtaining conflicting results when measuring human torque-velocity relations.

Effects of long-term training specificity on maximal strength and power of the upper and lower extremities in athletes from different sports

“…A possible explanation for these differences observed between the upper and lower extremities may be associated with the extremity-related differences in maximal strength, type of training, muscle cross-section area, fibre-type distribution (Lexell et al 1983), muscle mechanics (i.e. length and muscle pennation angle) as well as functional differences according to the joint position and geometry of the joints and levers (Gu¨lch 1994). This type of information on different muscle groups and various actions may also be useful to create optimal strength and/or power training programmes for sports with different levels of strength and power demands.…”

Maximum voluntary joint torque as a function of joint angle and angular velocity: Model development and application to the lower limb

“…Muscle force-length (F-L) and joint torque-angle relations in humans have been widely studied in the past (see Kulig et al, 1984, for a review), as have force-velocity (F-V) and torque-angular velocity relations, both in vitro and using isokinetic dynamometers (Cabri, 1991;Gulch, 1994). A number of studies have addressed both length and velocity (or angle and angular velocity) contributions together when examining muscle force or joint torque (Caldwell et al, 1993;Chow et al, 1999;Connelly and Vandervoort, 2000;James et al, 1994;King and Yeadon, 2002;Krylow and Sandercock, 1997;Lanza et al, 2003;Sutarno and McGill, 1995;Thorstensson et al, 1976;Westing and Seger, 1989;Abbott and Wilkie, 1953;Fuglevand, 1987;Marshall et al, 1990).…”

A model based study of a quantitative relation between joint strengthening and the highest achievable speed of human walking

“…The maximum available joint torques (t max i and t min i ) in above relation were considered to depend on angular position (u) and angular velocity ð _ uÞ of joints, due to muscle force-length [35] and muscle force-velocity [36], respectively. The relationship between maximum available joint torques, and angular position and angular velocity of the joints can be demonstrated by mathematical equations [37].…”