The acquisition of muscular strength: the influence of training velocity and initial VO2 max

To examine velocity specific training and to determine if VO2 max is related to the increase in muscular strength and power, 12 elite male swimmers (means age = 18.8 years) were blocked on VO2 max and assigned high intensity, high velocity training. Subjects performed 2 or 3 circuits of two 20s sets at each of six variable resistance stations at a work relief ratio of 1:3. Subjects trained four times weekly, for five weeks. Loads were set to achieve limb velocities of approximately 180 degrees X s-1. Increases (p less than 0.001) in all knee peak torques at 180 degrees X s-1 were observed. A decrease (p less than 0.02) was noted in right knee extension at 30 degrees X s-1, while other peak torques at that velocity remained constant. Anaerobic power increased (p less than 0.001) across the training programme. No differences in the magnitude of training effects were observed between High or Low Aerobic groups with the exception of right knee extension at 180 degrees X s-1, where the Low Aerobic group demonstrated the greater improvement (p less than 0.009). In conclusion, this type of velocity specific training can elicit improvements in peak muscular torques at or near the training velocity. Apparently, initial VO2 max did not limit the attainment of muscular strength and power.