Effects of Combined Training Programs on Force-Velocity Relation and Power Output in Human Muscle

The effects of different training programs on the force-velocity relation and the maximum power output from the elbow flexor muscles were examined in eighteen male adults. The subjects were divided into three equal groups (G 30, G 30+0, G 30+ 100) . Training for G 30 was performed with ten repetitions at 30% Po (Po: maximum strength), for G30+0 with five repetitions at 30% Po and five contractions with no load (0 % Po), and for G 30+100 with five repetitions at 30% Po and five isometric contractions (100% Po) .Maximum power was increased significantly in all groups after training. The amounts of power increase tended to be greatest for G 30+ 100, followed by G 30+0 and G 30. A significant difference was observed between G 30 + 100 and G 30 + 0. Maximum strength increased most in G 30 + 100, followed by G30 and G 30+0. The strength gain in G 30+100 was significantly greater than that in G 30. Maximum velocity increased significantly in all groups. No significant difference in velocity gain was observed between any pair of groups.These results suggest that isometric training at maximum strength (100% Po) appears to be a more effective form of supplementary training to increase power production than would no load training at maximum velocity.