Prediction of maximum speed of human movement by two selected muscular coordination mechanisms and by maximum static...

This study was undertaken to test the predictive value of two selected muscular coordination mechanisms, the sequential order of muscle activation and a specific acceleration-deceleration point of inflection, and of the maximum static strength of agonist and antagonist muscles for maximum speed of human movement. For 22 male subjects 77% of the variance associated with maximum speed of human movement was accounted for by the two mechanisms of muscular coordination investigated and by maximum isometric strength. The results suggest that separate neuromotor systems control human speed and strength and that the interplay between agonist and antagonist muscles is important for maximum speed of human movement.