Abstract
A possible dependence of critical power (CP) and the Y-intercept of the work/exhaustion time relationship (Y intercept) on maximal muscular strength of the same muscle group has been studied in nine endurance-trained subjects, seven gymnasts, and seven weight-lifters. CP was calculated as being equal to the slope of the linear relationship between exhaustion time and the work performed at exhaustion on a knee extension ergometer. Y intercept was equal to the intercept between this relationship and the work axis. The muscular strength of the knee was evaluated by measuring the torques exerted on a Biodex knee isokinetic dynamometer at four angular velocities: 0° · s−1 (T0), 90° · s−1 (T90), 180° · s−1 (T180) and 240° · s−1 (T240). The results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that CP depends upon maximal strength. Indeed, CP was not correlated with T0, T90, T180 or T240 (|r| < 0.01). Y intercept was significantly and positively correlated only with T90.
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Accepted: 1 November 1999
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Le Chevalier, J., Vandewalle, H., Thépaut-Mathieu, C. et al. Critical power of knee extension exercises does not depend upon maximal strength. Eur J Appl Physiol 81, 513–516 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050077
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050077