The Relationship between Isometric Force-Time Characteristics and Dynamic Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to review the data on the relationship between multi-joint isometric strength test (IsoTest) force-time characteristics (peak force, rate of force development and impulse) and dynamic performance that is available in the current literature. Four electronic databases were searched using search terms related to IsoTest. Studies were considered eligible if they were original research studies that investigated the relationships between multi-joint IsoTest and performance of dynamic movements; published in peer-reviewed journals; had participants who were athletes or active individuals who participate in recreational sports or resistance training, with no restriction on sex; and had full text available. A total of 47 studies were selected. These studies showed significant small to large correlations between isometric bench press (IBP) force-time variables and upper body dynamic performances (r2 = 0.221 to 0.608, p < 0.05) and significant small to very large correlation between isometric squat (ISqT) (r2 = 0.085 to 0.746, p < 0.05) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) (r2 = 0.120 to 0.941, p < 0.05) force-time variables with lower body dynamic performances. IsoTest force-time characteristics were shown to have small to very large correlations with dynamic performances of the upper and lower limbs as well as performance of sporting movements (r2 = 0.118 to 0.700, p < 0.05). These data suggest that IsoTest force-time characteristics provide insights into the force production capability of athletes which give insight into dynamic performance capabilities.

Isometric mid-thigh pull force-time characteristics: A good indicator of running performance

“…trast, running locomotion involves multi-joint movements, along with inter-and intra-muscular coordination. 9 The lack of specificity of using a single-joint strength assessment to relate to a multi-joint activity likely explained the lack of relationship between these variables. 20 In order to obtain a more specific strength assessment for runners, the assessed joint angles at which propulsion force is initiated must be similar to angles achieved during running.…”

“…20 In order to obtain a more specific strength assessment for runners, the assessed joint angles at which propulsion force is initiated must be similar to angles achieved during running. 9 The present study utilised an IMTP assessment, allowing the hip and knee joints to be relatively specific to angles obtained during running, which might explain its adjacent relationship obtained with the 2.4kmTT performance. Most IMPT variables obtained moderate to large correlation with MAS, and IMTP Force100 moderately correlated to RE.…”

“…The IMTP was first described by Haff et al 8 Since then, multiple studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between isometric force-time characteristics obtained from IMTP with various sports related dynamic movements. 9 Specifically, significant inverse correlation between sprint running times for distances between 5-30 m with IMTP peak force (PF), rate of force development (RFD), and force epochs between 100-200 ms have been reported. 9,10 For example, Townsend et al 10 reported significant correlation between IMTP PF with 5-20 m sprint time (r = -0.62 to -0.69).…”

“…9 Specifically, significant inverse correlation between sprint running times for distances between 5-30 m with IMTP peak force (PF), rate of force development (RFD), and force epochs between 100-200 ms have been reported. 9,10 For example, Townsend et al 10 reported significant correlation between IMTP PF with 5-20 m sprint time (r = -0.62 to -0.69). RFD (50-250 ms) obtained from IMTP was also significantly correlated to sprint average power (r = 0.43 to 0.59).…”

Reference Values for Isometric, Dynamic, and Asymmetry Leg Extension Strength in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

“…This lack of information in manuscripts and sample characteristics of each study make it very difficult to compare our data with those of other published research. Isometric strength assessment is easy and quick to carry out, produces low fatigue in PwMS, shows good repeatability [40], and shows a good correlation with dynamic muscle performance [41], so it is not unusual to find studies in which it has been measured for programming or to see the outcome of a physical training program in patients with MS [20,42].…”