The Importance of Isometric Maximum Strength and Peak Rate-of-Force Development in Sprint Cycling

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the relationship of whole-body maximum strength to variables potentially associated with track sprint-cycling success. These variables included body composition, power measures, coach's rank, and sprint-cycling times. The study was carried out in 2 parts. The first part (n = 30) served as a pilot for the second part (n = 20). Subjects for both parts ranged from international-caliber sprint cyclists to local-level cyclists. Maximum strength was measured using an isometric midthigh pull (IPF). Explosive strength was measured as the peak rate-of-force development (IPRFD) from the isometric force-time curve. Peak power was estimated from countermovement (CMJPP) and static vertical jumps (SJPP) and measured by modified Wingate tests. Athletes were ranked by the U.S. national cycling coach (part 1). Sprint times (from a standing start) were measured using timing gates placed at 25, 82.5, 165, 247.5, and 330 m of an outdoor velodrome (part 2). Maximum strength (both absolute and body-mass corrected) and explosive strength were shown to be strongly correlated with jump and Wingate power. Additionally, maximum strength was strongly correlated with both coach's rank (parts 1 and 2) and sprint cycling times (part 2). The results suggest that larger, stronger sprint cyclists have an advantage in producing power and are generally faster sprint cyclists.

Rate of Force Development as an Adjunctive Outcome Measure for Return-to-Sport Decisions After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

“…Our findings are supported by a previous study in which explosive activation in several human movements was found to be involved to a greater extent by the RFD than by the MVIC. 2,38 Moreover, the RFD, as well as the T (the time required to go from 25% to 50% of MVIC) and other timedependent parameters, were reported to be significantly correlated with explosive strength actions and vertical jumps. 30 Interestingly, RFD but not MVIC was related both to subjective knee function 24 and to maximal walking speed 39 in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty.…”

“…28,35 However, it has been shown that the time required to develop muscular strength in many types of daily 2 and sports activities 38 is considerably shorter (0-200 milliseconds) than that required to achieve maximal contraction strength (300 milliseconds or greater). 2 Therefore, under the time-restricted conditions (approximately 200 milliseconds) of these explosive muscle actions, RFD may be a more important descriptor of muscle function than maximal muscle strength.…”

“…20 In sport, the ability to generate strength quickly is of utmost relevance to both performance and protection against injury. 22 However, few studies have focused on the relationship between strength measurements and performance indices in either sport 38 or rehabilitation. 32 Moreover, the relationship between functional performance and explosive activation of the quadriceps may add information that is important to determine when athletes can safely return to sport activity.…”

Relationship between isometric mid-thigh pull variables and sprint and change of direction performance in collegiate athletes

“…Once the bar height was established, the athletes stood on the force platform, and their hands were strapped to the bar in accordance with previously established methods. 26,27 Each athlete was provided two warm-up pulls, one at 50%, and one at 75% of the athletes perceived maximum effort, separated by 1 minute of rest. Once body position was stabilised (verified by watching the subject and force trace), the subject was given a countdown of "3, 2, 1, Pull".…”

“…Athletes performed 3 maximal IMTP trials, with the instruction to pull against the bar with maximal effort as quickly as possible, and push the feet down into the force plate; this instruction has been previously found to produce optimal testing results. 21,27 Each maximal isometric trial was performed for 5 seconds, and all athletes were given strong verbal encouragement during each trial. Two minutes of rest was given between the maximal effort pulls.…”