Introduction
The measurement of force is a set of methods, tactics, and strategies to evaluate sports achievements. As practice shows, such assessments evaluate the abilities and capabilities of people engaged in physical activity. Besides, these measures are designed to ensure fairness and equal conditions among all athletes. In truth, resistance training and intense physical activity are the keys to good health and long life, and the dynamometer, in turn, can measure the quality of these training.
How Maximal Force Production Changes Following Resistance Training
Actually, after special resistance training, a person’s maximum strength gain improves and changes in a positive direction. In this case, it is worth noting that after the first training sessions, the human body begins to adapt and get used to new loading methods (Mills, 2017). Additionally, such reaction manifests itself in two types: the response of muscle fibers and neuromuscular elements (Mills, 2017). Muscle fibers are transformed by changing the type of fibers and increasing peak power. Neuromuscular reactions activate increased muscle tone, their synchronization, as well as the rate of discharge and development of motor components.
Moreover, strength exercises have a positive effect on muscle tendons in such a way that they can contribute to the development and improvement of endurance, speed, and general physical fitness abilities. The size of the muscles increases the degree of stiffness of the tendons changes and the type of fiber shifts (Beardsley, 2018). The athletes increase muscle coordination, thanks to which they can use a more advanced movement pattern. Thus, it is easier for a person to not only lift the load but also do such sports activities as sprinting and long jumps (Beardsley, 2018). Consequently, it is proved that regular strength training after a particular time significantly improves strength, power, endurance, and anaerobic indicators due to the interaction of specific reactions of the human body.
The Pros and Cons of Measuring External Force Production with a Dynamometer
The positive elements of measuring external force with a dynamometer include the following aspects. First of all, despite the vast abundance of devices capable of measuring force from the outside, the dynamometer, in this context, is considered one of the most accurate measuring tools (Romero-Franco et al., 2019). In fact, this device is widely used and generally accepted for strength testing. Secondly, measuring force with a dynamometer is a relatively simple and easy process that does not require special training or special conditions.
On the contrary, this device has several significant drawbacks and shortcomings. Firstly, there is a need to calibrate the device to ensure more transparent and precise results. Secondly, rest periods between tests should always be the same to ensure accuracy (Handgrip Strength Test, 2021). Thirdly, there is an error when the “test person” is in the wrong position. The dynamometer must be adjusted to the size of a person’s hand, leading to incorrect results if not done correctly (Handgrip Strength Test, 2021). For the results to be accurate, people should repeat the test the same way every time. Fourth, the dynamometer not only isolates arm strength because it also requires the use of forearm strength. Fifth, the final results are primarily determined by a person’s motivation to take the test.
Conclusion
Summing up, strength training using resistance exercises provides a significant health improvement and strengthens muscles, ligaments, bones, and tendons. Strength exercises improve the functionality of particular body systems, increase power and strength after regular loads. Indeed, a dynamometer is an excellent device for accurate and easy measurement of external force. However, this device requires more precise conditions and the correct position of the “test person,” constant calibration, and incredible motivation.
References
Beardsley, K. (2018). Strength is Specific: The key to optimal strength training for sports (1st ed.). London, England: Strength and Conditioning Research Limited.
Handgrip Strength Test. (2021).
Mills, N. (2017). The physiological responses to resistance training.
Romero-Franco, N., Fernández-Domínguez, J. C., Montaño-Munuera, J. A., Romero-Franco, J., & Jiménez-Reyes, P. (2019). Validity and reliability of a low-cost dynamometer to assess maximal isometric strength of upper limb: Low cost dynamometry and isometric strength of upper limb. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(15), 1787–1793. doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1594570