Abstract
Manipulation of external loads typically provides a range of force, velocity, and
power data that allows for modeling muscle mechanical characteristics. While a typical
force-velocity relationship obtained from either in vitro muscles or isolated muscle
groups can be described by a hyperbolic equation, the present review paper reveals
the evidence that the same relationship obtained from maximum-performance multi-joint
movements could be approximately linear. As a consequence, this pattern also results
in a relatively simple shape of the power-velocity relationship. The parameters of
the linear force-velocity relationship reveal the maximum force, velocity and power.
Recent studies conducted on various functional movement tasks reveal that these parameters
could be reliable, on average moderately valid, and typically sensitive enough to
detect differences among populations of different physical abilities. Therefore, the
linear force-velocity relationship together with the associated parabolic power-velocity
relationship could provide both a new and simplified approach to studies of the design
and function of human muscular system and its modeling. Regarding the practical applications,
the reviewed findings also suggest that the loaded multi-joint movements could be
developed into relatively simple routine tests of the force-, velocity- and power-generating
capacity of the neuromuscular system.
Key words
power-velocity - linear - regression - parameters - load - performance
