Influence of training on the force-velocity relationship of the arm flexors of active sportsmen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of specific types of muscle training, performed by previously well-trained competitive athletes, on the force-velocity relationship of the arm flexors. Four rowers, five athletes competing in tug-of-war, and six middle- and long-distance runners were measured at different stages of their training program during the period of 1 training year. The runners performed no special arm training and were included for comparative purposes. A record was made of the type and intensity of training. The force-velocity curve (FVC) was established by measuring the torques (M) and corresponding angular velocities (omega) of maximal arm flexions against different constant torques. Using Hill's equation: (M + a) (omega + b) = constant, a best fitting curve was calculated through the points of measurement. Two-way analysis of variance revealed only few statistically significant (P less than 0.05) changes in the parameters describing the course of the FVC. The results suggest that the force-velocity characteristics of muscle of previously well-trained sportsmen can hardly be influenced.