Strength

Question 1

What are the types of strength, examples?

Answer 1

1. Static strength, force is applied against a resistance without movement occurring (isometric contraction)
   E.g. rugby players crouching for a scrum
2. Dynamic strength, force is applied against resistance with movement occurring, also known as power output
   E.g. hop step and jump phases of triple jump
3. Maximum strength, the ability to produce a maximal amount of force in a singular contraction (1 RM)
   E.g. Olympic weightlifter performing a deadlift
4. Explosive strength, the ability to produce a maximal amount of force in a series of rapid muscular contractions
   E.g. sprinting down the wing in rugby
5. Strength endurance, the ability to sustain repeated muscular contractions over a period of time
   E.g. swimming (muscles perform same movement repeatedly).

Question 2

What are the factors which affect strength?

Answer 2

1. Cross-sectional area of muscle:
   - Greater the cross-sectional area of muscle = greater strength.
   - Maximum of 16-30 Newtons per cm²
2. Fibre type:
   - Greater % of FG and FOG fibres = greater strength over a short period of time
   - They contract with higher force = higher force of contraction
3. Gender:
   - Males have greater strength than females
   - Males have greater muscle mass and cross-sectional areas due to higher testosterone levels
4. Age:
   - Peak strength is 16-25 for females and 18-30 for males, strength then decreases with age
   - Due to decreased efficiency of neuromuscular system, elasticity, testosterone and reduction of muscle mass.

Question 3

What are the strength tests?

Answer 3

1. 1RM test, maximum strength
2. Grip strength dynamometer test, maximum strength
3. UK abdominal curl test, strength endurance
4. Vertical jump test, explosive test.

Question 4

What is the 1RM test, advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 4

1. 1RM test is a maximum strength test which involves lifting a high weight for 1 repetition
2. Advantages
   - Direct measurement
   - Easy procedure
   - Most muscle groups can be tested
3. Disadvantages
   - Difficult to isolate individual muscles
   - Trial and error may induce fatigue
   - Potential for injury.

Question 5

What is the grip dynamometer test, advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 5

1. Grip dynamometer test is a maximal strength test
2. Advantages
   - Simple to measure
   - Inexpensive equipment
   - High reliability
3. Disadvantages
   - Only forearm muscles are assessed
   - Test is not sport specific

Question 6

What is the UK abdominal curl test?

Answer 6

1. Abdominal curl test is a strength endurance test which involves continuous sit-ups at progressive intensities to exhaustion
2. Advantages
   - Good for large groups
   - Simple and cheap
   - Abdominal muscles can be isolated
   - Valid and reliable
3. Disadvantages
   - Good technique is needed
   - Safety concern over strain on lower back
   - Result affected by motivation
   - Not sport specific.

Question 7

What is the vertical jump test?

Answer 7

1. Vertical jump test is an explosive strength test
2. Advantages
   - Easy to test and minimal equipment
   - Can test yourself
   - Data can be converted to calculate power output
3. Disadvantages
   - Measure not isolated to one muscle group
   - Only estimates explosive strength in legs.