Strength training Flashcards
Definition of strength
The ability of the neuromuscular system to apply a force against a resistance
What are the 2 types of strength?
Static and dynamic
What are the 3 types of dynamic strength?
Explosive/elastic
Maximum
Endurance
Describe static strength
Ability of neuromuscular system to apply a force while the muscle length remains static.
Isometric contraction
No movement occurs
Describe dynamic strength
Ability of neuromuscular system to overcome a resistance where muscle length shortens/lengthens.
Concentric/eccentric contraction.
Movement does occur
= Power (speed and strength)
Describe explosive/elastic strength
Ability of neuromuscular system to expand a maximal force in one or a series of rapid muscle contractions
Stretch reflex mechanism (elastic recoil)
Involves eccentric contraction
Describe maximum strength
Ability of neuromuscular system to exert a maximal force in a single voluntary contraction
Describe endurance strength
Ability of neuromuscular system to sustain/withstand repeated muscle contractions (or single isometric contraction) over time
What are the tests for strength?
Grip/leg dynamometers Vertical jump Wingate cycle test Sit up test Press up test
Describe the grip/leg dynamometer as a test for strength
1RM: highest weight lifted once at any specific muscle group/area
Dynamometer: best of 3
Grip and leg/back attempts
Tests maximum strength
Describe the Vertical jump as a test of strength
Difference between the standing reach height and their vertical jump height.
Best of 3
Test for explosive/elastic strength
Describe the wingate cycle test
Maximal 30 seconds sprint on a cycle ergometer against a weighted resistance and software to show graphs/data of anaerobic leg power.
Test for dynamic strength
Describe the sit up test
NCF progressive sit up test to exhaustion in time to quicker bleep. Rating based on the time and number of sit ups completed. Arms folded across chest/feet flat.
Test for endurance strength
Describe the press up test
Rating based on the number of press ups to exhaustion. Hands straight body/arms shoulder width apart, down to 90 degrees angle.
Normative data tables.
Test for endurance strength
Advantages of grip/leg dynamometer
Cheap equipment, simple/repeatable tests reliable for specific muscle groups, normative data tables
Disadvantages of grip/leg dynamometer
Normative data tables vary. Limited tests for isolated areas/muscle groups eg forearm. Increase risk of injury/safety. 1RM requires trial and error before retrial. Not sport specific
Advantages of vertical jump test
Valid test for legs and reliable over time. Simple and cheap. Practical and can self-administer. Normative data tables.
Disadvantages of vertical jump test
Valid for leg muscles only. Need to devise different tests for different areas of the body. Technique can reduce reliability (diagonal jump away from wall/poor arm swing)
Advantages of wingate cycle test
Valid and reliable. Accurate data for leg power, peak power, time to peak power/decline (ATP/PC and LA system), Will show improvements.
Disadvantages of wingate cycle test
Very expensive so not accessible. Valid for leg power only. Max test so issue of motivation. Favours cyclist, less specific to runners/swimmers.
Advantages of sit up test
Highly valid & reliable if done correctly. Cheap so accessible. Large groups can do it so practical. Mainly isolates abdominals. Normative data tables.
Disadvantages of sit up test
Good technique essential. Test to exhaustion = need motivation. Not 100% valid as also uses iliopsoas. Only tests that area of the body. Normative data tables can vary. Strain on lower back.
Advantages of press up test
Valid for upper body. Reliable if protocol followed. Cheap so accessible. Simple/practical/large group access. Normative data tables.
Disadvantages of press up test
Good technique essential for test. To exhaustion so motivation needed. Only valid for upper body. Relies on core stability for good technique
What does a valid test mean?
Tests what it says it should
What does a reliable test mean?
Repeatable
What does an accessible test mean?
Cost (cheap=accessible)
What does a practical test mean?
How many people can do it at once (lots=practical)
What are the 5 factors affecting strength?
Fibre types Muscle cross sectional area Gender Age Strength training
How does fibre type effect strength?
The greater the % of fast twitch (type 2a/2b) muscle fibres the greater the strength/force generated
How does muscle cross sectional area effect strength?
The greater the cross-sectional area (size) of a muscle the greater the strength/force of a muscle contraction generated
How does gender effect strength?
Males generally have greater strength than females
How does age effect strength?
Strength decreases with age from it’s peak, (females 16-25 years old), (males 20-30 years old)
How does strength training effect strength?
Applying a force against a resistance increases strength
Explain the effect fibre types have on strength
Fast twitch fibres have
- larger, thicker myelin sheath; larger motor units
- Which stimulates more muscle fibres and with a greater speed to produce a higher force and speed of muscle contraction
Explain the effect muscle cross sectional area has on strength
larger, thicker myelin sheath; larger motor units, which stimulates more fast twitch fibres and with a greater speed to produce a higher force and speed of muscle contraction
Increases the per square cm of muscle which increases the force and speed of muscle contraction.