Power-Force-Velocity Profiling as a Function of Used Loads and Task Experience.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Performance Analysis

Background:

• Vertical power-force-velocity (P-F-v) profiles are crucial for assessing athletic performance.
• Understanding the reliability and validity of different P-F-v methods is essential for accurate training and testing protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cohort-specific reliability and concurrent validity of three distinct vertical power-force-velocity (P-F-v) profiles.
• To determine force, velocity, maximal power, and the slope of the force-velocity relationship using squat jumps.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen male sport students and 15 elite ski jumping athletes participated in two block-randomized test-retest sessions.
• Loading conditions included a 5-point method or a 2-point method; a third P-F-v profile excluded data points that reduced the coefficient of determination (r²).

Main Results:

• Elite ski jumpers showed acceptable reliability (ICC ≥ .79) across methods, though force values decreased slightly on retest.
• Sport students exhibited unacceptable reliability (ICC ≥ .63) and significant differences in maximal power and velocity on retest.
• All P-F-v parameters correlated highly (r ≥ .61) across methods for both groups.

Conclusions:

• Force-velocity profiles are reliable with proposed methods only in highly task-experienced athletes, not in less experienced cohorts.
• Task similarity between P-F-v testing and daily training exercises is more critical for reliable force-velocity parameters than the methodological approach.