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A novel equation that incorporates the linear and hyperbolic nature of the force–velocity relationship in lower and upper limb exercises

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to provide a force–velocity (F–V) equation that combines a linear and a hyperbolic region, and to compare its derived results to those obtained from linear equations. A total of 10 cross-training athletes and 14 recreationally resistance-trained young men were assessed in the unilateral leg press (LP) and bilateral bench press (BP) exercises, respectively. F–V data were recorded using a force plate and a linear encoder. Estimated maximum isometric force (F0), maximum muscle power (Pmax), and maximum unloaded velocity (V0) were calculated using a hybrid (linear and hyperbolic) equation and three different linear equations: one derived from the hybrid equation (linearhyb), one applied to data from 0 to 100% of F0 (linear0–100), and one applied to data from 45 to 100% of F0 (linear45–100). The hybrid equation presented the best fit to the recorded data (R2 = 0.996 and 0.998). Compared to the results derived from the hybrid equation in the LP, significant differences were observed in F0 derived from linear0-100; V0 derived from linearhyb, linear0–100 and linear45–100; and Pmax derived from linearhyb and linear45–100 (all p < 0.05). For the BP, compared to the hybrid equation, significant differences were found in F0 derived from linear0–100; and V0 and Pmax derived from linearhyb, linear0–100 and linear45–100 (all p < 0.05). An F–V equation combining a linear and a hyperbolic region showed to fit adequately recorded F–V data from ~ 20 to 100% of F0, and overcame the limitations shown by linear equations while providing relevant results.