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