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Category

Modelling / Simulation

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

In multi-segment movements the relationship between the external applied force and the velocity of the whole body or limbs has often been shown to be quasi-linear. It has been proposed that there is an optimal force-velocity profile for an athlete and that deviations from this profile, termed either a ‘force-deficit’ or a ‘velocity-deficit’, can be corrected by training. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that alterations in the maximum torque and rate of activation of the torque generator in a two-segment computer model actuated solely by a knee torque generator can explain changes in the gradient of the force-velocity profile during simulations of loaded squat jumps. It was found that an increase in the rate of activation of the torque generator led to a reduction in the gradient of the force-velocity relationship, addressing a velocity-deficit, and an increase in the maximum torque resulted in an increase in the gradient of the force-velocity relationship, addressing a force-deficit. These results provide potential mechanisms by which force-velocity profiles obtained from loaded squat jumps can be altered by training.

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