Maximal Power In Sports

1. Introduction

Maximal Power (MP) represents the highest level of power (work/time) that is produced in muscular contractions (Gollnick, Bayley 1986). Within a sporting context, power can be defined as the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible with MP expressing the greatest power produced during sporting movements performed with maximal velocity intent such as sprinting, jumping, change of direction and kicking (Kraemer, Newton 2000a).

A large number of sports require the ability to generate high levels of force in short periods of time with Stone et al. (2002) suggesting that the ability to express high power outputs (HPO) and high rates of force development (RFD) are vital components central to success and elite

1.1 Force – Velocity Relationship

Considering the mathematical equation for power (Power = Force x Velocity), it is clear that the two primary components that impact an athletes ability to generate HPO are their ability to generate high levels of force rapidly and express high contraction velocities (Kawamori, Haff 2004). The Force-Velocity Curve (fig 1) depicts the inverse relationship between the force a muscle can generate and the velocity at which it contracts.

As the velocity of the of the movement increases, the amount of force that can be generated by a concentric muscle action decreases (Haff, Nimphius 2012a).

(possibly more needed here on targeting different sections of curve for training) – where power is on the

A structural (fundamental/important) relationship exists between maximal strength and maximal power, dictating that high levels of power cannot be developed unless an athlete is relatively strong (Cormie, McCaulley et al. 2007). This relationship is heavily supported by literature reporting stronger athletes expressing higher power outputs compared to weaker athletes (Stone, Moir et al. 2002, BAKER 2001). Furthermore numerous studies have also expressed the differences in strength and power capabilities between elite and sub-elite athletes, with elite athletes showing greater power and strength levels. (REFERENCE – Baker x 2 , American football one, AFL