15 This relationship between maximal strength and performance is also supported by jump test results, as well as sprint times over 10 30 m in other intermittent sports. 2 78 80 Although the 1RM is the standard for determining isotonic strength, determining 1RM values for large groups is very time consuming and has been suggested to expose those being tested to increased injury risk.
This loss impacts negatively on functional and metabolic performance, maximal strength and muscle quality (Renault et al., 2002; Morse et al., 2005a, b; Rossi et al., 2008).
Tests and measurements aimed at assessing changes in physical performance (maximal strength) and physiological characteristics (muscle mass), as well as biochemical and cellular systems and structures (e.g., cell signaling and morphology).
For maximal strength, subjects also performed two explosive exercises for the upper and lower limbs [ 8].
48 49 Until now, only a few studies have investigated whether resistance training performed in hypoxia is more efficient at improving maximal strength and eventually single-sprint performance than similar training in normoxia.
Although the maintenance of both muscle mass and strength is needed for optimal performance, decrements in maximal strength are three times greater than the decline in muscle mass during human aging (Goodpaster et al., 2006; Metter et al., 1999), suggesting that muscle mass and strength are independently regulated.
On the following visit, the first maximal strength test session was performed.
Average power per training session, maximal strength tests (maximal exercise repetitions/min), three performance-based tests for physical function, SF36 for QoL were assessed in the beginning and every 6 months thereafter.
Conclusions: Resistance training focusing on speed of movement improved leg power and maximal strength substantially, but did not improve functional performance in healthy high-functioning older volunteers.
As the orientation of the total force applied to the supporting ground during a sprint acceleration is more important to performance than its amount, 52 future AT studies should also determine whether any enhancements in maximal strength translate into a better force application technique and better sprint performance.
