Effects of isokinetic velocity spectrum exercise on average power and total work

In this study we compared the influence that the order of the performance of different velocity exercise progressions has on average muscle power and total work production during a velocity spectrum isokinetic training session. Twenty-two college students were assigned randomly to four exercise trials, each containing an isokinetic exercise training session involving dominant knee extensors and flexors. Each exercise trial consisted of two sets of ten repetitions at speeds of 30 degrees , 90 degrees , 150 degrees , and 210 degrees /sec. The pretest, posttest, and experimental session muscle function measurements were assessed. Selected measurements of average power (joules/sec) and total work (joules) were used to make comparisons between the protocols. There was no training effect (change in peak torque) during the study for either extension or flexion at any of the four speeds. Total work was similar across the four protocols. There was a difference in average power for both extension and flexion among the protocols. We conclude that when performing velocity spectrum type training, performing faster speed sets early in the exercise session will produce a greater average power.