2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (23): 3638-3643

Determination and characteristics of skeletal muscle output power in different strength training methods under optimal power load

Liang Meifu1, Guo Wenxia1, Zhao Ningning2, Pan Lei3   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Strength training under the optimal power load can maximize skeletal muscle output power. The increase of skeletal muscle output power can improve athletes’ sports performance and public health level, which is favored by scholars and physical coaches at home and abroad.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal power load of different strength training methods and analyze the output power characteristics.
METHODS: Twenty-seven male college athletes from Beijing Sport University were recruited for testing 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of half squat and bench press throw. Nine axis sensors were used to test the output power characteristics of subjects under the maximum power loads of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The optimal power load of half squat was 70% 1RM, and its mean output power and maximum output power were significantly higher than 10% 1RM, 30% 1RM, and 50% 1RM (P < 0.01). The output power of half squat was highly correlated with the maximum velocity (r=0.84-0.87, P < 0.01), moderately correlated with the mean velocity and mean force (r=0.50-0.68, P < 0.01), and low correlated with 1RM (r=0.40, P < 0.05). The optimal power load of bench press throw   was 70% 1RM, and its mean output power was significantly higher than 10% 1RM (P < 0.01), 30% 1RM (P < 0.05), and 90% 1RM (P < 0.01). The output power of bench press was highly correlated with the mean velocity, maximum velocity and maximum power (r=0.70-0.84, P < 0.01), moderately correlated with the mean force and 1RM (r=0.57-0.70, P < 0.01), and low correlated with body mass and training years (r=0.40-0.46, P < 0.05). To conclude, the mean value of the optimal power load of half squat and bench press throw   of college athletes is 70% 1RM. Due to the difference of individual physiology and training, the accurate optimal power load of skeletal muscle still needs further measurement. To improve the maximum output power of skeletal muscle, developing skeletal muscle contraction velocity is prior to developing skeletal muscle contraction force in college athletes.
Key words: skeletal muscle, strength training, optimal power load, half squat, bench press throw