Allometric scaling of power-force-velocity ergometry profiles in men

Abstract

Aim: To examine the appropriate magnitude of allometric scaling of the force-velocity relationship according to body dimensions and to establish normative data for the power-force-velocity relationship for active men. Subjects and methods: Ninety-seven participants completed a force-velocity test on a Monark cycle ergometer. Allometric exponents and percentile ranks were established for maximal power (Pmax), maximal force (F0) and maximal velocity (V0). Results: The mean (± SD) of Pmax, F0 and V0 were 1114.90 ± 160.60 W, 191.97 ± 26.51 N, and 227.87 ± 8.82 rpm, respectively. V0 was not related to any body size descriptors. Allometric exponents for Pmax, and F0 scaled for body mass were b = 0.77 (0.64–0.90) and 0.74 (0.61–0.86), respectively. Correlations between allometrically scaled Pmax and F0 with body mass were r = 0.002 (p = 0.984) and r = 0.008 (p = 0.940), respectively, suggesting that the allometric exponents derived were effective in partialling out the effect of body mass on Pmax and F0 results. Conclusions: The allometric exponents and normative values of the current study provide a useful tool for comparing the scores of force-velocity tests between individuals without the confounding effect of body size.

Keywords

• sprint cycling exercise
• force-velocity relationship
• maximal power
• anthropometry
• allometry