THE EFFECT OF MAXIMAL FATIGUE ON THE MECHANCIAL PROPERTIES OF SKELETAL MUSCLE IN STRENGTH & ENDURANCE ATHLETES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of maximal fatigue on the mechanical performance of strength and endurance athletes. Ten strength trained athletes and nine endurance athletes performed a maximum fatigue protocol on a sledge and force plate apparatus followed by drop and rebound jumps at 15, 45, 120, 300 and 600 seconds post fatigue. Measurements of peak force, ground contact time, leg spring stiffness and height jumped were calculated prior to the fatigue protocol to establish baseline values, and also for each jump following the fatigue protocol. The fatigue protocol resulted in a significant reduction in peak force (p<0.01) and height jumped (p<0.01) in both groups while leg spring stiffness was also reduced in the strength athletes (p<0.01). In addition the endurance athletes indicated a potentiation effect with a significant increase in peak force (p<0.01) and leg spring stiffness (p<0.05) during the post fatigue jumps.