The aims of this study were to (1) propose a method for evaluating shot-putters mechanical power, (2) investigate the relationship between mechanical work of hand action force (W), peak power output (PPO) of different limbs and shot-put performance and (3) show which of these two parameters (W, PPO) were the most appropriate to characterize the explosive abilities of the shot-putter. Twelve junior right-handed shot-putters, practised glide technique shot-put throwers (personal best = 13.57  ±  1.72 m), participated in this study. Arm and leg force-velocity tests were performed to measure PPO. Kinematic analysis was conducted during a shot-putting event in regular conditions to quantify the W at the release moment and shot-put performance. Significant correlations were found between absolute arm and leg PPO with upper and lower muscle volumes (r = .67; p = .03; r = .76; p = .01; r = .74, p = .01; r = .65, p = .04). Positive relationships were recorded between absolute arm and leg PPO and shot-put performance (r = .67, p = .02; r = .81, p = .004, respectively). Shot-put performance was also closely related to the W (r = .93, p = .0001) and release velocity parameter (r = .86, p = .001). The present results confirm that force-velocity test and W constitute useful tools for assessing mechanical power in throwing. The W could be considered as more suitable than force-velocity test.

AIM: Was to study the relationships between leg peak power, leg muscle volume and Shot-put performance in trained shot-putter. METHODS: Twenty-three shot-putter participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were carried out to estimate leg muscle volume. Leg peak power and others biomechanical parameters (maximal force, maximal velocity, optimal force, optimal velocity) were measured using leg force-velocity test on ergocycle Monark, and the Optojump device. The shot-put performances were measured during a simulated competition. RESULTS: We found significant correlations between peak power output (W) measured during leg force-velocity Test on ergocycle (PPO-Ergo) and muscle volume for men (r = 0.79, p < 0.01) and women (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). PPO-Ergo (W, W/kg) was significantly correlated with the vertical jump performance (r = 0.56, p < 0.05; r = 0.62, p < 0.01 respectively). Shot-put performance was significantly correlated with PPO-Ergo (W, W/kg) and maximal force (N) (r = 0.72, p < 0.001; r = 0.48, p < 0.05; r = 0.85, p < 0.001 respectively). PPO as estimated from the vertical jump using the Optojump system (PPO-Opto) was not correlated to shot-put performances. CONCLUSION: The correlation between PPO-Ergo and shot-put performance showed that the force-velocity Test on ergocycle constitute a useful tool assessing PPO and others biomechanical parameters in shot-putter athletes. However, the Optojump system seems to be not accurate for such subjects. Fat mass constitute probably the limiting factor in shut-putter during this test.

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