Power output of the lower limb during variable inertial loading : A comparison between methods using single and repeated contractions

Pearson, S; Cobbold, M; Harridge, SD

Abstract

The power-inertial load relationship of the lower limb muscles was studied during a single leg thrust using the Modified Nottingham Power Rig (mNPR) and during cycling exercise in nine young male subjects. The relationship between peak power and inertial load showed a parabolic-like relationship for mNPR exertions, with a peak [937 (SD 246) W] at 0.158 kg m(2), this being significantly (P <0.05) different from the power generated at both the lowest [723 (162) W] and highest [756 (206) W] inertial loads. In contrast, for cycling exercise power output did not differ significantly between inertial loads, except at the lowest inertia where power output was significantly ( P<0.05) less compared with all other inertial loads. Maximum peak power output during cycling was 1,620 (336) W, which was significantly (P <0.05) greater than that recorded on the mNPR. However, a close association was observed between the mean power generated by each method (r=0.84, P<0.05). The results suggest that during a single contraction a range of inertial loads is required to allow peak power to be expressed. Above a certain critical value, this is unnecessary during cycling movements where the load can be repeatedly accelerated.

Citation

Pearson, S., Cobbold, M., & Harridge, S. (2004). Power output of the lower limb during variable inertial loading : A comparison between methods using single and repeated contractions. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 92(1-2), 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1046-0

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 22, 2003
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2004
• Deposit Date: Jul 6, 2015
• Journal: European Journal of Applied Physiology
• Print ISSN: 1439-6319
• Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 92
• Issue: 1-2
• Pages: 176-181
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1046-0
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1046-0
• Related Public URLs: http://www.springer.com/biomed/human+physiology/journal/421