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. Hatield muscle fibre test and the Charles Poliquin muscle fibre test.

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

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

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

Reliability would depend upon, how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2