Research article summary (published 24 Mar 2004):

Power output of the lower limb during variable inertial loading: a comparison between methods using single and repeated contractions.

Full Abstract

The power-inertial load relationship of the lower limb muscles was studied during a single leg thrust using the Modified Nottingham Power Rig (mNPR) and during cycling exercise in nine young male subjects. The relationship between peak power and inertial load showed a parabolic-like relationship for mNPR exertions, with a peak [937 (SD 246) W] at 0.158 kg m(2), this being significantly (P <0.05) different from the power generated at both the lowest [723 (162) W] and highest [756 (206) W] inertial loads. In contrast, for cycling exercise power output did not differ significantly between inertial loads, except at the lowest inertia where power output was significantly ( P<0.05) less compared with all other inertial loads. Maximum peak power output during cycling was 1,620 (336) W, which was significantly (P <0.05) greater than that recorded on the mNPR. However, a close association was observed between the mean power generated by each method (r=0.84, P<0.05). The results suggest that during a single contraction a range of inertial loads is required to allow peak power to be expressed. Above a certain critical value, this is unnecessary during cycling movements where the load can be repeatedly accelerated.

Author information

Author/s: Pearson, S J (SJ); Cobbold, M (M); Harridge, S D R (SD);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology, Royal Free & University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK. s.pearson(-atsign-)salford.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: European journal of applied physiology (Eur J Appl Physiol), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Jun; vol 92 (issue 1-2) : pp 176-81

Dates: Created 2004/05/28; Completed 2004/12/21; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 15045501, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Physiological - physiology Adult Bicycling - physiology Energy Transfer - physiology Exercise - physiology Exercise Test Humans

Humans Lower Extremity - physiology Male Muscle Contraction - physiology Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Physical Exertion - physiology Statistics as Topic

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