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

Abstract

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 < 0.001). However, the main finding was a significant across-group difference in L(opt) (p < 0.001) revealing the values 9.7% (for strength trained), 9.2% (speed trained), 8.7% (active), and 8.0% of BW (sedentary individuals). This suggests that the effects of external loading on maximum MPO in complex functional movements could be training history dependent. In addition to revealing a sensitivity of the 6-s maximal cycling sprint tests (and, perhaps, other maximum cycling tests), the results suggest that the external loading in routine MPO tests should not be solely adjusted to a fixed percentage of subject's BW (as routinely done in standard tests), but also to their training history. The same phenomenon remains to be evaluated in a number of other routine tests of MPO and other maximum performance tasks.

Force-Velocity Profiles of Elite Athletes Tested on a Cycle Ergometer

“…Combat sports, Athletic sprints and Team sports) produced higher P M than control group of athletes that are not characterized with outstanding muscle capacities (in this study labelled as Physically active). The obtained findings are in line with similar studies that show significant differences in P M between strength, speed or power-trained athletes compared to physically active or sedentary individuals (Cuk et al, 2016;Giroux et al, 2016;Pazin et al, 2011). In addition, the higher power-producing capacities of Athletic sprints group in comparison to Team sports group could also be expected since team sports allow slightly reduced muscle capacities compensated by outstanding technical and tactical skills (Reilly, Williams, Nevill, & Franks, 2000).…”

“…Regardless of the generally encouraging results, several potential limitations and directions for future research need to be addressed. Firstly, despite the fact that we applied standard set of loading conditions for testing elite athletes on a leg cycle ergometer (Henry that allows reliable measurements (García Ramos, Torrejón, Morales Artacho, Pérez Castilla, & Jaric, 2017), more precise calculation of P M (Pazin et al, 2011) and decreased bias toward V 0 or F 0 (Pérez-Castilla, Jaric, Feriche, Padial, & García-Ramos, 2017), it is noted that it was relatively narrow. Therefore, further research should evaluate the sensitivity of the F-V relationship conducted over wider loading conditions.…”

“…vertical jumps, running, different types of closed kinetic chain leg extension movements, etc. ; Jaric, 2015), the maximal sprints performed on a cycle friction ergometer allows a simple and accurate manipulation of external loading and, therefore, it is used as the preferred task for the evaluation of muscle mechanical capacities in numerous studies (Pazin, Bozic, Bobana, Nedeljkovic, & Jaric, 2011;Henry Vandewalle et al, 1987).…”

Optimizing high-speed exercise performance : effect of load.

“…Their results showed strength-trained and sedentary participants, respectively, had the highest and lowest forces and power outputs (p < 0.001) (29).…”

“…Research conducted by Pazin et al (29) examined the influence of the effect of training history on optimum loading for maximizing muscle power output. Forty healthy young males with different levels of strength and power (strength-and speed-trained athletes, physically active, and sedentary non-athletes) were tested during a 6-second maximal cycling sprint test (29).…”