Force-velocity profile: imbalance determination and effect on lower limb ballistic performance.
This study sought to lend experimental support to the theoretical influence of force-velocity (F-v) mechanical profile on jumping performance independently from the effect of maximal power output (P max ). 48 high-level athletes (soccer players, sprinters, rugby players) performed maximal squat jumps with additional loads from 0 to 100% of body mass. During each jump, mean force, velocity and power output were obtained using a simple computation method based on flight time, and then used to determine individual linear F-v relationships and P max values. Actual and optimal F-v profiles were computed for each subject to quantify mechanical F-v imbalance. A multiple regression analysis showed, with a high-adjustment quality (r²=0.931, P<0.001, SEE=0.015 m), significant contributions of P max , F-v imbalance and lower limb extension range (h PO ) to explain interindividual differences in jumping performance (P<0.001) with positive regression coefficients for P max and h PO and a negative one for F-v imbalance. This experimentally supports that ballistic performance depends, in addition to P max , on the F-v profile of lower limbs. This adds support to the actual existence of an individual optimal F-v profile that maximizes jumping performance, a F-v imbalance being associated to a lower performance. These results have potential strong applications in the field of strength and conditioning.
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology (EA4338), University of Savoie, Le Bourget du Lac, France.
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Samozino
Department of Clinical and Exercise Physiology, Sports Medicine Unity, University-Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France.
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Edouard
Centre d'Etude des Transformations des Activités Physiques et Sportives (EA 3832), University of Rouen, France.
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Sangnier
Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, -Auckland, New Zealand.
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Brughelli
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology (EA4338), University of Lyon, Saint Etienne, France.
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Gimenez
Laboratory of Exercise Physiology (EA4338), University of Lyon, Saint Etienne, France.
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Morin
D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D059385:Plyometric Exercise; D055815:Young Adult