Optimal resistance for maximal power during treadmill running

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the optimal resistance on a specially designed motorized treadmill (Gymrol) to obtain instantaneous peak power (IPP), 1‐second peak power (PP), and 5‐second mean power (MP) during running in subjects with different body sizes and athletic backgrounds. Thirty‐five male subjects were divided into four groups: control, power, cyclists, and miscellaneous. Two sessions of 5‐second all‐out sprints were performed against resistances that were 5, 8, 10, 13, 15, and 20% of the treadmill's maximal resistance of 1352 N. The power produced for propulsion (horizontal power) was measured. There was no difference in any set of power variable measurements between the first and the second session. A test‐retest reliability coefficient of r = 0.89, r = 0.84, and r = 0.80 for each of the MP, PP, and IPP tests, respectively, was measured. The IPP values (range, 2419 to 2934 W) were three to three and one‐half times higher than those for PP (range, 764 to 1014 W) and MP (range, 657 to 868...