Good Practice Rules for the Assessment of the Force-Velocity Relationship in Isoinertial Resistance Exercises

Abstract

The mathematical relationship between the force and the velocity as determined during isoinertial progressive resistance strength tests is being extensively used for the assessment of neuromuscular qualities and for a targeted resistance training. The reliability of this relationship depends on the reliability of the collected force and velocity values. This reliability can be jeopardized by several factors such as: 1) an erroneous movement execution; 2) an improper load assignment; 3) a useless number of performed repetitions; 4) an inadequate rest interval between sets of repetitions; 5) an improper use of the measurement device and of the relevant computing methods. The aim of this contribution is to provide the operator with a list of good practice rules retrieved from the specific scientific literature concerning the instrumented assessment of muscle strength during isoinertial resistance exercises.