Differences in Critical Torque Among Untrained, Resistance-Trained, and Aerobic-Trained Young Individuals

Chesbro, G, Larson, DJ, Wenger, MJ, Black, CD, and Larson, RD. Differences in critical torque among untrained, resistance-trained, and aerobic-trained young individuals. J Strength Cond Res 40(6): e584-e590, 2026-Critical torque (CT) is thought to be a key representation of the relationship between performance and fatigue, yet no research to date has examined CT relative to the type of exercise training. This study aimed to examine differences in CT based on training status (TS). Thirty-eight individuals participated in the study and were split into 3 groups: 17 Untrained (UT), 9 Aerobic Trained (AT), and 12 Resistance Trained (RT), based on self-reported training time. The subjects completed a critical torque test. The 5-minute maximal protocol consisted of 30 six-second maximal contractions followed by a 4-second rest. Statistical significance was set a priori at p < 0.05. The RT group (365.39 N·m ± 77.44) had higher maximal strength than the AT (271.23 N·m ± 78.91; p = 0.015) and UT (274.64 N m ± 76.71, p = 0.030) groups. The AT group (149.73 N m ± 35.51) had a higher absolute CT than the UT group (114.72 N m ± 25.61, p = 0.029). When CT was normalized to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), the AT group (56.37% ± 11.36) had a higher CT than the RT (37.65% ± 7.60; p = 0.003) and UT (43.07% ± 8.69; p < 0.001) groups. In addition, there was a between-group difference in impulse above critical torque (IACT) where the RT group (10,146.76 N·m·s ± 2,886.51) had higher IACT than the AT group (6,578.65 N·m·s ± 3,823.71; p = 0.028). To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly assess the differences in CT based on TS. Our data suggest that TS affects CT assessments. These findings are important for researchers to consider because they affect the common assessment of CT when assigning the load for a fatiguing task using MVC.