Force-Velocity Profile

Summary

In this tutorial, the speaker discusses force-velocity profiling, explaining its role in evaluating an athlete's power production through the combination of force and velocity. He addresses challenges faced during a presentation at the 2022 NSCA Coaches Conference and offers an alternative method to gather force-velocity data using ballistics and strength tests. The speaker emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring and interpreting force-velocity profiles for training decisions, illustrating the process with examples using tools like Excel and various performance measurement devices. The session aims to help coaches better understand and apply force-velocity profiling in training athletes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Force Velocity Profiling (FVP) is a method to visualize how athletes use both force and velocity to produce power, which helps refine training decisions.
• 😀 Power is considered a 'fluff metric' because it's a calculated product of force and velocity, and can be misleading without understanding the individual components.
• 😀 There are debates about how to graph force, velocity, and power, with no final consensus on the best method.
• 😀 Breaking down force and velocity helps identify where athletes are sufficient or deficient in their power-producing capabilities.
• 😀 The Shepherd method, adapted for various exercises, can help gather force-velocity data, even in environments without expensive tools like force plates.
• 😀 To perform a force-velocity profile using a strength test (e.g., 1RM or 5RM), you can integrate ballistic movements (like jump squats) to cover the full velocity spectrum.
• 😀 It's essential to pause at the bottom during exercises like squat jumps to ensure consistent force-velocity measurements without engaging the stretch shortening cycle unintentionally.
• 😀 Tools like linear position transducers, accelerometers, or myJump app can help track force-velocity data, making the process more affordable.
• 😀 You should standardize the repetitions used for measuring force, velocity, and power to ensure accurate results, avoiding the mix of highest force, velocity, or power from different reps.
• 😀 When performing data analysis, it's crucial to plot the data properly and use valid tools (e.g., Excel, SigmaPlot) to ensure the accuracy of the force-velocity profile.
• 😀 The force-velocity profile can help determine optimal training loads, with peak power typically occurring at around 30-60% of an athlete’s 1RM, and adjusting the speed of the movement can optimize performance.

Q & A

What is force velocity profiling and why is it important?

Force velocity profiling is a method used to visualize how athletes utilize both force and velocity to produce power. This is important because power is often considered a vague metric; by breaking down its components (force and velocity), coaches can better understand where athletes are deficient and make more informed decisions about their training.

Why is power considered a 'fluff' metric?

Power is considered a 'fluff' metric because it's a calculated variable that results from multiplying force and velocity. It doesn't give a clear picture on its own since an athlete can achieve the same power output with different combinations of force and velocity.

How does the force velocity profile help athletes in training?

By examining the force velocity profile, coaches can pinpoint whether an athlete’s strengths lie in force production or velocity. This allows for tailored training programs, focusing on areas where the athlete may be deficient and helping optimize their power production.

What methods can be used to create a force velocity profile?

There are several methods to create a force velocity profile, including using apps and devices such as linear position transducers, accelerometers, opto jump systems, or even simpler tools like a jump mat or MyJump app. Additionally, you can use a system like the Shepherd method, which incorporates ballistics for velocity measurement.

What is the Shepherd method and how is it applied in force velocity profiling?

The Shepherd method, developed by Jeremy Shepherd, involves using unloaded and submaximal loads to assess an athlete’s force velocity profile. The method is adapted for exercises like the squat jump, where a pause is used to focus on force velocity capabilities, rather than stretch shortening cycle effects.

What is the difference between squat jump and jump squat?

A squat jump involves a pause at the bottom of the movement, whereas a jump squat does not. The pause in the squat jump allows for a more controlled measure of force and velocity without the contribution of the stretch shortening cycle, which is important for accurate profiling.

Why is it important to pause at the bottom during a squat jump?

Pausing at the bottom during a squat jump isolates the force velocity capabilities, as it eliminates the influence of the stretch shortening cycle. Without the pause, athletes may be able to rely on the elastic energy stored in their muscles, which could skew the results of the profiling.

How can you use force velocity profiling with a 1RM or strength test?

One way to incorporate force velocity profiling into strength tests is by adding ballistic movements before the heavy lifts. For example, using unloaded or light-load jumps can provide valuable force velocity data, which can then be used to enhance the information gathered during the 1RM test.

What is the significance of the relationship between load and velocity in force velocity profiling?

The relationship between load and velocity is crucial because peak power typically occurs at a specific point on the load velocity curve. For many athletes, peak power is reached between 30% and 60% of their 1RM. Understanding where an athlete hits peak power can guide training intensity and exercise selection.

How can Excel be used to plot force velocity profiles?

In Excel, force velocity profiles can be plotted by organizing the data into columns for load and velocity. After inserting a scatter plot, trend lines (such as polynomial or exponential) can be added to visualize the relationship. This method provides a simple way to analyze and display force velocity profiles for individual athletes.