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Velocity specificity of training in bodybuilders
Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences = Journal Canadien Des Sciences Du Sport
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Bodybuilders exhibit greater muscular strength and endurance compared to controls, with significant differences observed between males and females. While strength shows clear velocity specificity, muscular endurance
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Bodybuilding significantly alters neuromuscular function.
- Understanding the impact of long-term resistance training on muscle performance is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of extensive bodybuilding training on muscular strength and endurance.
- To examine velocity specificity in strength and endurance in trained versus untrained individuals.
Main Methods:
- Eight bodybuilders (BB) and eight controls (C) performed maximal leg extensions at 180 and 300 degrees/s.
- A muscle fatigue test (MFT) assessed torque and torque decline over 25 contractions.
- Analysis included comparisons between training status (BB vs. C) and sex (male vs. female).
Main Results:
- Bodybuilders were significantly stronger than controls at both slow and fast contraction speeds.
- Males were stronger and exhibited greater muscular endurance than females across most conditions.
- While strength demonstrated velocity specificity, muscular endurance showed less clear velocity-dependent effects in bodybuilders.
Conclusions:
- Long-term bodybuilding enhances muscular strength with clear velocity specificity.
- Muscular endurance in bodybuilders may not exhibit the same degree of velocity specificity.
- Sex differences in strength and endurance are pronounced, irrespective of training status.