Critical power and force during continuous and intermittent contraction of finger flexors

Title: Critical power and force during continuous and intermittent contractions of finger flexors Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine critical force of finger flexors during continuous exercise and to determine critical power at different work - relief ratios during intermittent exercise. Methods: Eight participants volunteered in the study (age 23,1 ± 1,8 years, height 172,9 ± 7,3 cm, body mass 67,1 ± 4,8 kg, climbing experience 5,4 ± 2,1 years and climbing performance from 6 to 8 on the Union International des Associations d'Alpinisme scale). Participants undertook one continuous and three intermittent handgrip contractions (work to relief ratio of 8:2, 7:3, 6:4) to failure at 60% and 40% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for dominant and non-dominant hand, respectively. For continuous contraction, the critical force was calculated from two exercises at 40% and 60% MVC and inversed time to failure using linear regression analysis; for intermitent contraction, the critical power was calculated from the three contraction ratios and inversed time to failure using linear regression analysis. Results: Critical force for continuous contraction was found at 20,4 ± 5,9 % MVC. The critical power for intermittent contractions was considered not to be valid and is not indicated. Conclusion:..