Rate of force development: physiological and methodological considerations

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Springer

School

Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research / School of Exercise and Health Sciences

RAS ID

21959

Comments

Maffiuletti, Nicola A. (06.2016). "Rate of force development: physiological and methodological considerations". European journal of applied physiology (1439-6319), 116 (6), p. 1091-1116. Available here

Abstract

The evaluation of rate of force development during rapid contractions has recently become quite popular for characterising explosive strength of athletes, elderly individuals and patients. The main aims of this narrative review are to describe the neuromuscular determinants of rate of force development and to discuss various methodological considerations inherent to its evaluation for research and clinical purposes. Rate of force development (1) seems to be mainly determined by the capacity to produce maximal voluntary activation in the early phase of an explosive contraction (first 50–75 ms), particularly as a result of increased motor unit discharge rate; (2) can be improved by both explosive-type and heavy-resistance strength training in different subject populations, mainly through an improvement in rapid muscle activation; (3) is quite difficult to evaluate in a valid and reliable way. Therefore, we provide evidence-based practical recommendations for rational quantification of rate of force development in both laboratory and clinical settings. © 2016, The Author(s).

DOI

10.1007/s00421-016-3346-6

Access Rights

free_to_read

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