Muscular Fitness

Muscular Fitness Assessment Purpose –Assess muscular fitness –Identify weaknesses –Monitor progress –Measure effectiveness –Motivation

Muscular Fitness Development & Maintenance –↑ng FFM –↑ng RMR –Maintaining bone mass –Modest improvements in CV fitness –Improved ability for ADLs

Muscular Fitness Muscular strength –Maximal force that can be generated by a specific muscle or muscle group

Muscular Strength Specific to –Muscle group –Type of muscular contraction –Speed of muscular contraction –Joint angle being tested

Muscular Strength Assessment Determine strength Monitor progress & revise pgm Standardized work tasks (pre- employment screenings)

Resistance Training Methods Isotonic –Constant weight, speed varies Isokinetic –Constant speed, force varies Variable resistance –Weight is altered by mechanical assistance Isometric (static) –Constant length

Strength-Testing Devices Cable tensiometers –Measures force exerted on a cable –Advantages Adaptable for all major muscle groups Reliable –Disadvantages Static Not apply to dynamic mvt

Strength-Testing Devices Dynamometer –Portable static device (leg, back, forearm) –Advantages Portable Less cumbersome Quick –Disadvantages Limited number of muscle groups Questionable reliability

Strength-Testing Devices Strain gauge –Measurement of Δs in electrical conductivity is a function of force

Strength Testing 1 RM –Advantages Easy Testing & training equipment the same Dynamic strength –Disadvantages Posttest soreness Limited by weakest point in ROM Skill

Strength Testing Submax tests –Lifts to fatigue –2 to 14 reps before fatigue –Advantages Easy Testing & training equipment the same Dynamic strength –Disadvantages Posttest soreness Limited by weakest point in ROM Skill

Muscular Fitness Muscular Endurance –Ability of muscle group to execute repeated contractions over a period of time to cause fatigue –Maintain %age of maximal voluntary contraction for a prolonged period of time

Muscular Fitness Static Endurance –Submaximal force held as long as possible Dynamic endurance –Max reps at % of 1 RM or body wt

Muscular Fitness Dynamic endurance –Isokinetic endurance # reps above 50% max torque –Calisthenic tests Push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups

Muscular Fitness Assessment No one ‘best’ test Know who you are testing Know what you want to test Select accordingly

Muscular Fitness Assessment Familiarize with test & procedures Equipment reviewed for safety Exhale during concentric phase, inhale during eccentric Adequate rest b/n assessments Spotters