Body mass maximizes power output in human jumping: a strength-independent optimum loading behavior.
It is well known that in vitro muscles maximize their power output when acting against a moderate resistance regarding their maximum strength. Similar behavior has been observed from in vivo muscular systems in both single-joint and most of the multi-joint maximum performance tasks. We refer to that phenomenon as a strength-dependent behavior, since the optimum external load that maximizes the mechanical power output of particular muscle(s) or neuro-musculoskeletal system corresponds to a certain percent of maximum strength. In this review paper, we present evidence that the optimum load in maximum vertical jumps is one's own body mass, regardless of the strength of the lower limb muscles (i.e., the strength-independent behavior). Although the discussed phenomenon is still underexplored, we believe that several neuro-mechanical mechanisms are involved. Among these are a long-term adaptation of the muscular force-velocity relationship to the body weight and inertia, alteration of the jumping technique, load-specific muscle activation and jumping skills. Further exploration of the discussed strength-independent behavior of the lower limb muscles is of importance for refining various training and rehabilitation procedures, as well as for understanding the design and function of lower limb muscles.
Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Biomechanics and Movement Science Graduate Program, University of Delaware, Rust Arena, Rm. 143, 541 South College Avenue, Newark, DE, 19716, USA, jaric@udel.edu.
Slobodan
S
Jaric
Goran
G
Markovic
D054874:Athletic Performance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001835:Body Weight; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*