This project aims to examine the relationship among the external loading and movement performance that could reveal the rules regarding producing the maximum output of the muscular system. Specifically, by testing the effects of external loads on various movement performance we intend to reveal conditions for maximum mechanical output of the muscular system. We also intend to explore adaptation processes associated with altered loading and physical activity in general. We generally hypothesize that the muscular system is designed for actions against the load of its own body, although the effects of training and rehabilitation procedures or, alternatively, a sedentary life style can alter the relationship between the external load and movement performance.
From the theoretical aspect, the experimental support of our hypotheses could be of considerable benefits to the scientific community regarding the better understanding of the basic principles of both the design and function of the muscular system, as well as of the improved theoretical framework for understanding and predicting transformational processes of the muscular system associated with various training and rehabilitation procedures.
From the practical aspect, the hypothesized findings could provide a basis for new approaches in assessment of muscular function. Specifically, an important implication could be that the maximum performance movements could be used for assessment of the power and force generating capacity of the muscular system. As a result, instead of using complex laboratory tests that usually require expensive equipment to assess the muscular force and power, the muscular function could be evaluated from relatively simple and ’ecological’ tests of performance of rapid movements. This would also simplify structure of physical performance tests routinely applied on both the healthy subjects and the individuals suffering from either acute or chronic impairment of the muscular system and, more generally, impairment of the locomotor function.
