Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of maximal muscle strength and intrinsic muscle contractile properties on contractile rate of force development

  • Published:
European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

‘Explosive’ muscle strength or contractile rate of force development (RFD) is a term to describe the ability to rapidly develop muscular force, and can be measured as the slope of the torque–time curve obtained during isometric conditions. Previously, conflicting results have been reported regarding the relationship between contractile RFD and various physiological parameters. One reason for this discrepancy may be that RFD in various time intervals from the onset of contraction is affected by different physiological parameters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between voluntary contractile RFD in time intervals of 0–10, 0–20,..., 0–250 ms from the onset of contraction and two main parameters: (1) voluntary maximal muscle strength and (2) electrically evoked muscle twitch contractile properties. The main finding was that voluntary RFD became increasingly more dependent on MVC and less dependent on muscle twitch contractile properties as time from the onset of contraction increased. At time intervals later than 90 ms from the onset of contraction maximal muscle strength could account for 52–81% of the variance in voluntary RFD. In the very early time interval (<40 ms from the onset of contraction) voluntary RFD was moderately correlated to the twitch contractile properties of the muscle and was to a less extent related to MVC. The present results suggest that explosive movements with different time spans are influenced by different physiological parameters. This may have important practical implications when designing resistance training programs for specific sports.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aagaard P, Simonsen EB, Andersen JL, Magnusson P, Dyhre-Poulsen P (2002) Increased rate of force development and neural drive of human skeletal muscle following resistance training. J Appl Physiol 93:1318–1326

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aagaard P, Thorstensson A (2003) Neuromuscular aspects of exercise—adaptive responses evoked by strength training. In: Kjær M (eds) Textbook of sport medicine. Blackwell, London, pp 70–106

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen LL, Andersen JL, Magnusson SP, Suetta C, Madsen JL, Christensen LR, Aagaard P (2005) Changes in the human muscle force-velocity relationship in response to resistance training and subsequent detraining. J Appl Physiol 99(1):87–94

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bell GJ, Petersen SR, Quinney HA, Wenger HA (1989) The effect of velocity-specific strength training on peak torque and anaerobic rowing power. J Sports Sci 7:205–214

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bemben MG, Clasey JL, Massey BH (1990) The effect of the rate of muscle contraction on the force–time curve parameters of male and female subjects. Res Q Exerc Sport 61:96–99

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Birch K, Sinnerton S, Reilly T, Lees A (1994) The relation between isometric lifting strength and muscular fitness measures. Ergonomics 37:87–93

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bojsen-Moller J, Magnusson SP, Rasmussen LR, Kjaer M, Aagaard P (2005) Muscle performance during maximal isometric and dynamic contractions is influenced by the stiffness of the tendinous structures. J Appl Physiol 99(3):986–994

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bosco C, Komi PV (1979) Mechanical characteristics and fiber composition of human leg extensor muscles. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 41:275–284

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bottinelli R, Canepari M, Pellegrino MA, Reggiani C (1996) Force–velocity properties of human skeletal muscle fibres: myosin heavy chain isoform and temperature dependence. J Physiol 495(Pt 2):573–586

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bottinelli R, Pellegrino MA, Canepari M, Rossi R, Reggiani C (1999) Specific contributions of various muscle fibre types to human muscle performance: an in vitro study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 9:87–95

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brody IA (1976) Regulation of isometric contraction in skeletal muscle. Exp Neurol 50:673–683

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Close RI (1972) Dynamic properties of mammalian skeletal muscles. Physiol Rev 52:129–197

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Luca CJ (1997) The use of surface electromyography in biomechanics. J Appl Biomech 13:135–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Driss T, Vandewalle H, Le Chevalier JM, Monod H (2002) Force–velocity relationship on a cycle ergometer and knee-extensor strength indices. Can J Appl Physiol 27:250–262

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grabiner MD (1994) Maximum rate of force development is increased by antagonist conditioning contraction. J Appl Physiol 77:807–811

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grimby L, Hannerz J, Hedman B (1981) The fatigue and voluntary discharge properties of single motor units in man. J Physiol 316:545–554

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Alen M, Komi PV (1985a) Changes in isometric force- and relaxation-time, electromyographic and muscle fibre characteristics of human skeletal muscle during strength training and detraining. Acta Physiol Scand 125:573–585

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Komi PV (1983) Alterations of mechanical characteristics of human skeletal muscle during strength training. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 50:161–172

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Komi PV, Alen M (1985b) Effect of explosive type strength training on isometric force- and relaxation-time, electromyographic and muscle fibre characteristics of leg extensor muscles. Acta Physiol Scand 125:587–600

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Komi PV, Tesch PA (1981) Effect of combined concentric and eccentric strength training and detraining on force–time, muscle fiber and metabolic characteristics of leg extensor muscles. Scand J Sports Sci 3:50–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Newton RU, Gordon SE, McCormick M, Volek JS, Nindl BC, Gotshalk LA, Campbell WW, Evans WJ, Hakkinen A, Humphries BJ, Kraemer WJ (1998) Changes in muscle morphology, electromyographic activity, and force production characteristics during progressive strength training in young and older men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 53:B415–B423

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harridge SD, Bottinelli R, Canepari M, Pellegrino MA, Reggiani C, Esbjornsson M, Saltin B (1996) Whole-muscle and single-fibre contractile properties and myosin heavy chain isoforms in humans. Pflugers Arch 432:913–920

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Houston ME, Norman RW, Froese EA (1988) Mechanical measures during maximal velocity knee extension exercise and their relation to fibre composition of the human vastus lateralis muscle. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 58:1–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaric S, Ristanovic D, Corcos DM (1989) The relationship between muscle kinetic parameters and kinematic variables in a complex movement. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 59:370–376

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen RL, Freedson PS, Hamill J (1996) The prediction of power and efficiency during near-maximal rowing. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 73:98–104

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kugelberg E, Thornell LE (1983) Contraction time, histochemical type, and terminal cisternae volume of rat motor units. Muscle Nerve 6:149–153

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kukolj M, Ropret R, Ugarkovic D, Jaric S (1999) Anthropometric, strength, and power predictors of sprinting performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 39:120–122

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Larsson L, Moss RL (1993) Maximum velocity of shortening in relation to myosin isoform composition in single fibres from human skeletal muscles. J Physiol 472:595–614

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meckel Y, Atterbom H, Grodjinovsky A, Ben Sira D, Rotstein A (1995) Physiological characteristics of female 100 metre sprinters of different performance levels. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 35:169–175

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mero AP, Luhtanen JT, Viitasalo JH, Komi PV (1981) Relationship between the maximal running velocity, muscle fibre characteristics, force production and force relaxation of sprinters. Scand J Sports Sci 3:16–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Mirkov DM, Nedeljkovic A, Milanovic S, Jaric S (2004) Muscle strength testing: evaluation of tests of explosive force production. Eur J Appl Physiol 91:147–154

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Narici MV, Hoppeler H, Kayser B, Landoni L, Claassen H, Gavardi C, Conti M, Cerretelli P (1996) Human quadriceps cross-sectional area, torque and neural activation during 6 months strength training. Acta Physiol Scand 157:175–186

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paasuke M, Ereline J, Gapeyeva H (2001) Knee extension strength and vertical jumping performance in nordic combined athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 41:354–361

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pincivero DM, Lephart SM, Karunakara RG (1997) Relation between open and closed kinematic chain assessment of knee strength and functional performance. Clin J Sport Med 7:11–16

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sahaly R, Vandewalle H, Driss T, Monod H (2001) Maximal voluntary force and rate of force development in humans—importance of instruction. Eur J Appl Physiol 85:345–350

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saliba L, Hrysomallis C (2001) Isokinetic strength related to jumping but not kicking performance of Australian footballers. J Sci Med Sport 4:336–347

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schantz P, Randall-Fox E, Hutchison W, Tyden A, Astrand PO (1983) Muscle fibre type distribution, muscle cross-sectional area and maximal voluntary strength in humans. Acta Physiol Scand 117:219–226

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidtbleicher D (1992) Training for power events. In: Komi PV (eds) Strength and power in sport. Blackwell, London, pp 381–395

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone MH, Sanborn K, O’Bryant HS, Hartman M, Stone ME, Proulx C, Ward B, Hruby J (2003) Maximum strength-power-performance relationships in collegiate throwers. J Strength Cond Res 17:739–745

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thorstensson A, Karlsson J, Viitasalo JH, Luhtanen P, Komi PV (1976) Effect of strength training on EMG of human skeletal muscle. Acta Physiol Scand 98:232–236

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van Cutsem M, Duchateau J, Hainaut K (1998) Changes in single motor unit behaviour contribute to the increase in contraction speed after dynamic training in humans. J Physiol 513(Pt 1):295–305

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Viitasalo JT, Aura O (1984) Seasonal fluctuations of force production in high jumpers. Can J Appl Sport Sci 9:209–213

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilkie DR (1949) The relation between force and velocity in human muscle. J Physiol 110:249–280

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Winter DA (1990) Biomechanics and motor control of human movement. Wiley, New York, pp 11–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Young WB, Bilby GE (1993) The effect of voluntary effort to influence speed of contraction on strength, muscular power, and hypertrophy development. J Strength Cond Res 7:172–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen/Team Danmark Testcenter, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Build. 8, 2nd floor, DK-2400, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Lars L. Andersen & Per Aagaard

Authors
  1. Lars L. Andersen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Per Aagaard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lars L. Andersen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Andersen, L.L., Aagaard, P. Influence of maximal muscle strength and intrinsic muscle contractile properties on contractile rate of force development. Eur J Appl Physiol 96, 46–52 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-005-0070-z

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-005-0070-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation