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Principals of Anatomy and Physiology : 6th Edition
01/10/1999 - Page created and on www.brianmac.demon.co.uk
01/01/07 - Page moved to new site www.brianmac.co.uk
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Muscle Fibre Test
Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.
Objective
The objective of the muscle fibre test is to determine the fibre composition of the muscles used for a particular exercise. Two test protocols are described: The Dr F. Hatfield muscle fibre test and the Charles Poliquin muscle fibre test (Hale 2006)[1].
Required Resources
To undertake this test you will require:
- Weight training facilities
- An assistant/spotter
- Selection of exercises
How to conduct the Dr F. Hatfield muscle fibre test
- Determine your one repetition maximum (1RM) on an exercise
- Rest for 15 minutes
- Perform as many repetitions as possible with 80% of your 1RM
Analysis
- Less than 7 repetitions - fast twitch (FT) dominant
- 7 or 8 repetitions - mixed fibre type
- more than 8 repetitions - slow twitch (ST) dominant
If you are FT dominant, then you should use heavier loads and lower repetitions predominantly in your training. ST dominant individuals, on the other hand, will respond better to lighter loads and higher repetitions
How to conduct the Charles Poliquin muscle fibre test
- Determine your one repetition maximum (1RM) on an exercise
- Rest for 15 minutes
- Perform as many repetitions as possible with 85% of your 1RM
Analysis
- Less than 5 repetitions - fast twitch (FT) dominant
- 5 repetitions - mixed fibre type
- more than 5 repetitions - slow twitch (ST) dominant
If you are FT dominant, then you should use heavier loads and lower repetitions predominantly in your training. ST dominant individuals, on the other hand, will respond better to lighter loads and higher repetitions
Target Group
This test is suitable for all athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.
Reliability
Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.
Validity
Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to determine the fibre composition of the muscles used for a particular exercise.
Advantages
- Minimal equipment required
- Simple to set up and conduct
Disadvantages
- Specialist equipment required
- Assistant required to administer the test
Referenced Material
- HALE J. (2006) Adapting your workout to suit your muscle fibre type. Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching, 37, p. 6-7
Page Reference
The reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2006) Muscle Fibre Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/musclefibre.htm [Accessed
Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
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