Chapter 06 Assessing Muscular Fitness

Chapter 06Assessing Muscular Fitness

Definition: The ability of a muscle group to develop maximal contractile force against a resistance in a single contraction.

Force developed during muscular contraction is determined by velocity of the contraction.

Maximal force is determined at a velocity of zero. Maximal force is produced when the limb is not rotating. As the speed of joint rotation increases, the muscular force decreases.

Muscular Strength

Definition: The ability of a muscle group to exert submaximal force for extended time periods.

Similar to muscular strength, it can be assessed for static (isometric) or dynamic contractions.

Muscular Endurance

Both strength and muscular endurance can be assessed for static and dynamic muscular contractions.

Static (isometric) contractions: no visible change in joint angle

Dynamic: visible change in joint angle◦ Types of dynamic contractions

Concentric Eccentric Isokinetic

Types of Contractions

Force exerted by muscle or muscle group exceeds external resistance or load.

Joint angle decreases

Muscle shortens

Concentric Contraction

Joint angle increases

Muscle lengthens while contracting

Serves as a braking mechanism to decelerate body segment movement, or to resist gravity.

Eccentric Contraction

Maximal contraction of muscle or muscle group at a constant velocity throughout entire range of motion (ROM).

Specialized machines control velocity of contraction and adjust external resistance to match the force produced at degree in the ROM.

Resistance is variable, velocity is constant)

(Electromechanical devices vary the resistance to match the muscular force produced at each point in the ROM. Thus, isokinetic exercise machines allow the muscle group to encounter variable but maximal resistances during the movement.)

Isokinetic Contraction

Both concentric and eccentric contractions are sometimes called isotonic (“iso,” same; “tonic,” tension). The term “isotonic contraction” is a misnomer because the tension produced by the muscle group fluctuates greatly even though the resistance is constant throughout the range of motion (ROM).

Thus, the greatest resistance that can be used during regular, dynamic exercise is equal to the maximum weight that can be moved at the weakest point in the ROM.

“Isotonic Contractions”

Figure 6.2 The fluctuation in muscular

force during isotonic

contractions is due to the

change in muscle length and

angle of pull as the bony lever

is moved, creating a strength

curve that is unique for each

muscle group. For example,

the strength of the knee

flexors is maximal at 160° to

170°.

Measures of static or dynamic strength and endurance are used to establish baseline values before training, monitor progress during training, and assess the overall effectiveness of resistance training and exercise rehabilitation programs

Assessing Strength and Endurance

(continued)

Isometric strength is measured as the maximum force exerted in a single contraction against an immovable resistance (i.e., maximum voluntary isometric contraction, or MVIC in kg or N).

Devices used to assess static strength and endurance: (see photos in text)◦ Isometric Dynamometers◦ Cable tensiometers◦ Strain gauges◦ Load cells◦ Handheld Dynamometers


(continued)

Hand grip dynamometry for strength:◦ Adjust hand grip to accommodate client’s hand.◦ Set dial to zero.◦ Stand upright and grasp dynamometer.◦ Arm position varies between protocol selected.◦ Client squeezes hand grip quickly and as tightly

as possible and then releases the pressure.◦ Extraneous body motion is kept to a minimum.◦ Do 3 trials for each hand; 1-minute rest between

trials.◦ Select best trial for each hand.


Both use same dynamometer; score in kg For leg assessment:

◦ Using the back and leg dynamometer, the individual stands on the platform with trunk erect

◦ Start with knees flexed to 130o to 140o. ◦ Use pronated grip with bar across thighs. ◦ Extend knees but do not engage back muscles to pull

bar straight up. For back assessment:

◦ Fully extend knees and keep head and back erect. ◦ Use over-under grip with the bar across the thighs. ◦ Pull bar straight up by rolling shoulders without bending

backward.

Back and Leg Dynamometry

Can use dynamometric scores to determine static muscular strength:◦ Add best strength score for right hand, left hand,

legs, and back.◦ Be sure to convert values to lb.

Can use total dynamometric score to compute relative static muscular strength score (divide total score by body weight and multiply by 100).

See Tables Next Slides

Dynamometry Normative Values

Table 6.2

Table 6.3

Dynamic Muscle Testing: strength measured as the maximum force exerted in a single contraction against a movable resistance

Devices used to assess dynamic strength and endurance:◦ Free weights◦ Constant-resistance machines◦ Variable-resistance machines◦ Isokinetic machines

Assessing Strength and Endurance (continued)

(continued)

Use cable tensiometers or strain gauges. Follow standardized procedures closely. Select proper tensiometer based on anticipated

strength score (above or below 100 lb). Isometric assessments specific for single joint

angle. Testing of multiple muscle groups is

recommended for overall strength score. Digital, handheld dynamometers are now

available. Detailed procedures for digital dynamometry are

in appendix C of textbook.

Isometric Strength Assessment Guidelines

Digital, handheld dynamometers are now available.

Detailed procedures for digital dynamometry are in Appendix C of textbook.

Isometric Strength Assessment Guidelines (cont.)

Constant-resistance machines or free weights are best. However, each only assesses maximal strength of

weakest point in joint ROM. Why? Mechanical and physiological advantage changes

throughout ROM, but resistance doesn’t. Variable-resistance machines (VRM) were created to

address this (i.e., lever, cam, or pulley). Load changes throughout ROM with VRMs, so it is

difficult to assess maximal strength. As the weight is lifted, the mechanical advantage of the machine decreases.

Variable-resistance exercise machines, therefore, have limited usefulness for maximal testing - Not recommended for strength assessment, but good for resistance training programs.

Dynamic Strength and Endurance

Free weights Versus Constant-Resistance MachinesFree weights Constant-resistance machines

Increase, and require more neuromuscular coordination

Allow full ROM Spotter may be

required

Increase neuromuscular coordination

ROM limited by machine No spotter required Weight increments may

be limited Machines may not

accommodate all body types

Eliminate many challenges of free weights and constant-resistance machines

Allow movement in multiple planes Can allow both constant- and variable-resistance

exercise Have many adjustable compartments Must simulate starting and ending body position

of validated muscular tests in order to use those normative values

Note settings during baseline assessment testing; use them for follow-up assessment settings.

Free-Motion Machines

One-repetition maximum (1RM): maximum weight that can be lifted for one complete repetition of the movement

Involves trial and error in setting weights Has been applied to all age groups, but use

standardized technique to keep all clients safe. Spotting for your client is a must. 1RM bench press and leg press are good for

assessing upper body and lower body strength. Compute relative strength (maximal lift/body mass)

and use normative values. Norms for men and women are provided in Tables 6.4 and 6.5.

Dynamic Strength Testing

1. Have your client warm up by completing 5 to 10 repetitions of the exercise at 40% to 60% of the estimated 1-RM.

2. During a 1 min rest, have the client stretch the muscle group. This is followed by three to five repetitions of the exercise at 60% to 80% of the estimated 1-RM.

3. Increase the weight conservatively, and have the client attempt the 1-RM lift. If the lift is successful, the client should rest 3 to 5 min before attempting the next weight increment. Follow this procedure until the client fails to complete the lift. The 1-RM typically is achieved within three to five trials.

4. Record the 1-RM value as the maximum weight lifted for the last successful trial. The following basic steps are recommended for 1-RM testing.

Dynamic Strength Testing1 RM max testing

Perform multiple repetitions with weight that is set submaximal load (%1RM) or set %body mass.

Individual should be able to perform 12 to 15 reps of each exercise with weight that is 70% of 1RM.

The YMCA (Golding 2000) and ACSM (2010) recommend using a bench press test to assess dynamic muscular endurance of the upper body.

For this absolute endurance test, use a flat bench and barbell. The client performs as many repetitions as possible at a set cadence of 30 repetitions per minute.

Dynamic Endurance Testing

(continued)

Dynamic Muscle Endurance Tests

Other options◦ Seven-item multiple repetition battery:

maximum of 15 reps at set % of client’s body mass; add the number of reps completed over the seven items; use sum for overall categorization of dynamic muscular endurance score

◦ Table 6.8 provides percentages for each test item, as well as the scoring system and norms for college-age men and women.

Dynamic Endurance Testing (continued)

Isokinetic dynamometers assesses strength, endurance, and power.

Machine generates resistance equivalent to client’s muscular force generation (accommodating resistance).

Limb moves at constant, preselected velocity. Can evaluate peak torque, total work, and total

power for each muscle group tested.

Isokinetic AssessmentDynamic Muscle Testing using Isokinetic and Omnikinetic Exercise Modes

This testing system provides an accommodating resistance that adjusts to both the force and velocity output of the individual and is not limited to a preset velocity of limb movement.

Force and velocity adjust downward as client begins to fatigue (self-accommodating)

Assesses isokinetic strength and endurance of both fast-twitch and slow-twitch motor units in the muscle group.

Omnikinetic Assessment

In certain field situations, you may not have access to dynamometers, free weights, or exercise machines to assess muscular fitness. As an alternative, you may use calisthenic-type strength and endurance tests to assess your client’s strength and muscular endurance.

Dynamic strength tests: Add additional weight to client and have them perform the desired movement as a 1RM.

Dynamic endurance tests: maximum number of reps performed for select calisthenic exercises◦ Pull-ups◦ Push-ups (see Table 6.10 for Norms)◦ Trunk curls (Table 6.11 for Norms)

Field Test Assessments

Possible reasons for measurement errors in fitness testing:

Client factors Equipment Technician skill Environment

Sources of Error

Client factors - Clients with limited or no prior weightlifting experience need time to practice each lift to control for the effects of learning on performance.

Clients should get adequate sleep before performing these tests, and you should restrict the use of drugs and medications that may adversely affect their performance

Motivating clients and rest between lifts are important.

Sources of Error

Equipment – The equipment used for testing must match the equipment used to develop the strength norms of the test.

It is also important to calibrate the equipment and make sure that it is in proper working condition prior to testing.

When selecting exercise machines, make sure that the equipment can be properly adjusted to accommodate varying limb lengths and body sizes.

Sources of Error

Technician skill - All strength testing should be done by qualified, trained technicians who are knowledgeable about proper lifting and spotting techniques and familiar with standardized testing procedures.

Explain and demonstrate the proper lifting technique and then correct any performance errors you see as the client practices.

Sources of Error

Environment - The room temperature should be 70° to 74° F (21° to 23° C) to maximize subject comfort during testing.

Use a quiet, clean environment with limited distractions (not an overcrowded weight room, for example).

Remember to pretest and posttest your client at the same time of day to control for diurnal variations in strength.

Sources of Error

Can estimate 1RM from submaximal tests. Although 1-RM tests can be safely administered

to clients of all ages, sometimes it is preferable to estimate the 1-RM.

The 1-RM may be underestimated for clients with little or no exercise experience because they are unaccustomed to or may be apprehensive about lifting heavy loads.

You can estimate the 1-RM of your clients from submaximal muscle endurance tests (see pg. 144)

Additional Concepts

Look for muscle balance. Muscle imbalance may compromise joint stability and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury

Muscle balance ratios differ among muscle groups and are affected by the force-velocity of muscle groups at specific joints.

To control limb velocity during muscle balance testing, you will do best to use isokinetic dynamometers. (see chart on pg. 145.)

The difference in strength between contralateral (right vs. left sides) muscle groups should be no more than 10% to 15%, and the strength-to-body mass (BM) ratio of the upper body (bench press 1-RM/BM) should be at least 40% to 60% of the lower body relative strength (leg press 1-RM/BM)

Additional Concepts

Best to express client strength results in relative terms.

Because strength directly relates to the body mass and lean body mass of the individual, you should express the test results in relative terms (e.g., 1-RM/BM).

This is especially true in comparing your client’s score to group norms and in comparing groups or individuals differing in body size and composition (e.g., men vs. women or older vs. younger adults).

If you compare the client’s relative strength scores (from pre- and posttest training), you will be able to evaluate the change in strength that is independent of a change in body weight.

Additional Concepts

Muscular strength and endurance are important for maintaining functional independence and activities of daily living (ADLs).

You can use 1RM assessments with this age group.

You may prefer to estimate 1RM from submaximal loads:◦ Brzycki (1993) equation and Wathen (1994)

equation are recommended (see pg. 146)

Working With Older Clients

Rikli and Jones (2001) battery assesses physical capacity and functional fitness through 2 tests:◦ 30-second chair stand◦ 30-second biceps curls

These tests have functional application for older clients’ ADLs.

Be sure to follow standardized technique and follow known safety precautions. (see demos, instructions, and norms pgs. 147-150)

Functional Testing for Older Clients

Children can safely perform 1RM trials.◦ Must be closely supervised◦ Best results obtained using child-sized

equipment No support for contention of premature

closure of epiphyseal plates due to strength training

Follow standard guidelines when testing 1RM:◦ Be sure to allow for familiarization trial(s)◦ Focus on proper lifting and breathing techniques◦ See Testing Protocol, (p.150)

Working With Children