Leon E. Smith

Influence of Three Different Training Programs on Strength and Speed of a Limb Movement

Abstract The experiment was designed to compare the effects of isometric-isotonic (A), dynamic-overload (B), and free swing (C) exercise programs on the speed and strength of a lateral arm movement The 26 college men in each group—three experimental and one control—were given pre- and post-training speed and strength trials. Each experimental group performed its assigned exercise twice a week during the 10-week training period. Reliability coefficients for both strength and speed of movement measurements were found to be high. Following training there were significant speed increases in both the isometric-isotonic and dynamic-overload groups (t=10.06 and 8.10; however, the difference in speed gain between conditions was nonsignificant (F=.10). Also, strength increases in both of these groups were significant (t=8.81 and 3.08), with that of the isometric-isotonic group significantly greater than the dynamic-overload group (F=5.11). No significant speed or strength gains were registered by either the free s...

Effect of Moderate Exercise on the Performance and Learning of a Gross Motor Skill.

The problem was to investigate the effect of a moderate standardized work load upon the learning of a gross motor skill. Non-exercised Ss performed 10 30-sec. trials on a stabilometer, rested, and performed three additional trials. On the same apparatus the exercised Ss performed an initial exercise bout, in addition to exercise bouts between the first 10 30-sec. trials. Results showed that, although the exercised Ss had an elevated heart rate, performance throughout the learning trials and the retest trials did not differ significantly from that of non-exercised Ss.

Influence of Strength Training on Pre-Tensed and Free-Arm Speed

Abstract During a period of 12 weeks, 26 college men participated in an isotonic-isometric training program. Pre-training static strength, pre-tensed static strength and speed, and free arm speed were recorded. Following the strength training program, significant increases were recorded in static arm strength and in free and pre-tensed speeds of movement. Very low relationships were found between the pre- and post-training strengths and speeds.

Prediction of Muscular Endurance (Work Performance) From Individual Differences in Initial and Post Training Increments in Static Strength

Forty college men were given tests for static strength and strength endurance prior to an isotonic strength training program. Experimental results indicate that individual differences in static strength are a poor criterion in the prediction of muscular endurance. Following an increase in static strength resulting from isotonic strength training pre-training static strength and post-training strength increments are not indicative of an individuals performance in a hand grip endurance activity.

Individual differences in maximal speed of muscular contraction and reaction time

50 college men participated in an investigation of the relationship between standing RT and the maximal vertical velocity which the body can generate while in contact with the ground. The results support recent studies which reflect the high degree of specificity of individual differences in motor abilities. The nonsignificant correlation of −0.31 indicates that vertical body speed cannot be predicted from a knowledge of standing RT.

EFFECT OF MUSCULAR STRETCH, TENSION, AND RELAXATION UPON THE REACTION TIME AND SPEED OF MOVEMENT OF A SUPPORTED LIMB.

Abstract It was hypothesized that the reaction time and maximal velocity of a supported arm which was exposed to muscular stretch would be significantly faster than when the limb was either tensed or relaxed. It was also predicted that the tensed arm condition would produce speedier reaction and movement times than when the subjects limb was more relaxed. Forty college men were tested under each of the three experimental conditions. A variance analysis revealed that reaction time and velocity of the arm during the state of stretch was not significantly faster than either condition when the arm was relaxed or tensed. An analysis of the final third of the arm movement revealed a significantly faster movement time when the prime movers of the limb were stretched. During the condition of tension, reaction and movement times were faster than when the arm was relaxed. A high degree of specificity of relationship was found between reaction time and movement time.

Speed of Muscular Contraction

Individual differences between concentric forearm strength of 27 college men and concentric MT, eccentric MT and strength contraction MT were found to be low. The speed to contract skeletal muscle is influenced by muscle length and the degree and type of contraction. Concentric forearm speed was more rapid than eccentric speed of movement.

Increased Strength, Reaction Time and Speed of LIMB Movement

81 young male adults participated in a 6-wk. × 7 days a week myotatic and isometric strength training program. Associated with strength increments myotatic practice proved to be superior to the isometric program relative to improvement of movement time (MT) in the experimental leg and contralateral transfer to the control limb. As a result of isometric exercises reaction time (RT) was decreased and was transferred more effectively than in the myotatic group although there was a loss of speed of movement in both limbs following isometric training. Correlations between RT and MT with pretraining strength and strength increment scores showed a high degree of specificity of relationship of individual differences.

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN ARM STRENGTH, SPEED, REACTION TIME, AND THREE SERIAL REACTION TIME- MOVEMENT TIME "PROGRAMS"

The motor performance of 32 college men was measured on the following tests: arm strength, arm reaction and movement times, arm-and-leg serial reaction and movement times. Specificity of variance of individual differences was found for single, simple, and discrete limb movements and for three programmed series of large RT-MT movements which involved 240 responses.

Individual Differences in Forearm “Strengths” Measured at Various Angles and Locations

The forearm strength of 65 college men was tested at 3 different forearm angles (75°, 135° and 160°) and two locations (5½ in. and 8½ in.). Strength was applied with greater force at the 5½-in. forearm site as compared to the 8½-in. location. For the latter location the maximal strength was recorded at 135° whereas at 5½ in., although there was no difference between forearm strength measured at 135° and 160°, both of these strengths were larger than the force registered at 75°. Intercorrelations between forearm strengths at various angles and locations revealed low to moderate relationships.