Alteration of mechanical power and force-velocity relationship on human leg extensor muscles according to continuous training by the bicycle

Abstract

Alteration of the maximal mechanical power and the maximal isometric strength on human leg extensor muscles were followed up for ten months on 28 students who belonged to a bicycle racer school. Subjects were divided into high (N=15) and low (N =13) groups by the respective maximal speed on fixed (stational) bicycle ergometer. The load for leg power was provided by the weight as shown in the previous report by the same author. The maximal isometric tension was determined at the right angle of the knee joint. The maximal power and force and velocity at the peak of power were calculated from Hill's characteristic equation derived at every subjects. Little increase was found in the maximal strength after the continuous physical training by the bicycle. The strength of high group, in, general, was found to be higher than that of low group. The maximal power, however, presented a marked increment, upon prescribed exercise. The difference of values between high and low group was typical. The force exerted at the peak of power apparently increased, but the velocity of the knee extension hardly increased by the training. As the consequence of physical training, the maximal leg strength increased little while the maximal mechanical power increased. The increase was largely due to the increment of force exerted at its peak.