Abstract
When assessing muscle function, it is recommended to measure not only the
maximum voluntary contraction strength but also the rate of force development
（RFD）. RFD is derived from the average slope of the force development phase after
the onset of muscle contraction. It is influenced by neural factors and better relates
to performance in some activities of daily living, such as walking. With age, RFD
declines earlier and to a greater extent than maximum voluntary contraction
strength. Some patients have lower RFDs compared with age-matched healthy adults.
Improving the RFD is more difficult than improving maximum voluntary contraction
strength. Few studies about RFD, from which important information about neural
factors can be gleaned, have been carried out in clinical settings. It is important to
improve the RFD in rehabilitation strategies, but no consistent findings have been
reported with respect to the training effects of RFD. Further investigation into RFD
is necessary if it is to be used for more effective rehabilitation.
