Thesis-2011-Tillin.pdf (1.22 MB)
The influence of training and athletic performance on the neural and mechanical determinants of muscular rate of force development
thesis
posted on 2011-06-24, 09:02 authored by Neale A. TillinNeuromuscular explosive strength (defined as rate of force development; RFD) is
considered important during explosive functional human movements; however this
association has been poorly documented. It is also unclear how different variants of
strength training may influence RFD and its neuromuscular determinants. Furthermore,
RFD has typically been measured in isometric situations, but how it is influenced by the
types of contraction (isometric, concentric, eccentric) is unknown. This thesis compared
neuromuscular function in explosive power athletes (athletes) and untrained controls,
and assessed the relationship between RFD in isometric squats with sprint and jump
performance. The athletes achieved a greater RFD normalised to maximum strength
(+74%) during the initial phase of explosive contractions, due to greater agonist
activation (+71%) in this time. Furthermore, there were strong correlations (r2 = 0.39)
between normalised RFD in the initial phase of explosive squats and sprint
performance, and between later phase absolute explosive force and jump height (r2 =
0.37), confirming an association between explosive athletic performance and RFD. This
thesis also assessed the differential effects of short-term (4 weeks) training for
maximum vs. explosive strength, and whilst the former increased maximum strength
(+20%) it had no effect on RFD. In contrast explosive strength training improved
explosive force production over short (first 50 ms; +70%) and long (>50 ms; +15%)
time periods, due to improved agonist activation (+65%) and maximum strength
(+11%), respectively. Explosive strength training therefore appears to have greater
functional benefits than maximum strength training. Finally, the influence of
contraction type on RFD was assessed, and the results provided unique evidence that
explosive concentric contractions are 60% more effective at utilising the available force
capacity of the muscle, that was explained by superior agonist activation. This work
provides a comprehensive analysis of the association between athletic performance and
RFD, the differential effects of maximum vs. explosive strength training, and the
influence of contraction type on the capacity for RFD.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Publisher
© Neale Anthony TillinPublication date
2011Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.548052Language
- en