Force–Time Characteristics of Dynamic and Isometric Muscle Actions: Association with Muscle Architecture in Female Athletes

Abstract

The association between force–time characteristics of isometric leg press (ILP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, was examined in 19 female athletes (aged 23.2 ± 5.4 years). Peak force (PF), average rate of force development (ARFD) and rate of force development (RFD) at different time epochs were calculated from the force–time curve, as well as CMJ jump height and power. Significant correlations were found between ILP-PF and CMJ power (r = 0.658, p r = 0.471 to 0.648, p r = 0.565 to 0.646, p r = 0.523, p r = 0.625, p r = 0.464 to 0.566, p p = 0.002) of the variance in CMJ power. These results suggest that isometric force time characteristics are associated with power generation during dynamic muscle actions. Furthermore, VL muscle thickness and fascicle length are associated with rapid force production in female athletes, irrespective of the type of muscle action.

Keywords

• isometric leg press
• countermovement jump
• rate of force development
• fascicle length
• muscle thickness
• ultrasound