Using python to analyze isometric force-time curves
Author Identifier
Tsuyoshi Nagatani: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2187-157X
Stuart N. Guppy: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9209-7409
Guy Gregory Haff: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0676-7750
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Strength and Conditioning Journal
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
77900
Abstract
The isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) is a commonly used strength diagnostic tool that can give insight into an athlete's force-generating capacities. The resulting force-time curves generated are commonly analyzed using commercial software packages that provide a variety of metrics. Although these software packages are useful, they are often costly and operate as a "black box,"limiting the control over how these metrics are calculated. A template created in Excel can be used to analyze isometric data. However, creating a custom script to analyze isometric trials can be more time-efficient. To provide users with an alternative analysis option, this article provides a guide for selecting IMTP force-time curves and variables for analysis and how to use Python to perform these analyses. Basic procedures are provided to ensure that accurate force-time curves are selected and analyzed, followed by strategies for using Python to read files, filter data, calculate force-time curve variables, graphically present data, and write results to a report are discussed. Although the script provided can be used to analyze the IMTP force-time curve data, it can be modified to examine other metrics as needed by the user (see, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SCJ/A412).
DOI
10.1519/SSC.0000000000000872
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Smith, J. C., Nagatani, T., Guppy, S. N., & Haff, G. G. (2022). Using python to analyze isometric force-time curves. Strength & Conditioning Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000872