Towards an objective assessment of the "maximal voluntary contraction" component in routine muscle strength measurements.

Routine measurements of muscle strength capabilities commonly use external dynamometers against which the subject exerts maximal voluntary contractions of muscles in static (isometric) tests. These tests require active cooperation of the subject, i.e., full motivation to "give the best". At present, no practicable techniques exist that provide objective clues indicating that indeed a maximal effort is delivered, or if only a portion of the available strength is exerted. This paper describes experiments performed with 30 subjects which indicate that the rate of strength build-up in repeated exertions may provide objective criteria to judge whether or not a subject exerts full muscular strength in a routine test.