Muscular and Neural Factors of Human Locomotion and their Adaptation

The general aim of the present proposal is to evaluate selected muscular and neural factors of human locomotion that could be revealed through the batteries of standardized tests of physical ability and movement performance. In particular, (1) we will explore the relationship among the body size, rapid movement performance, and muscle power output, (2) evaluate novel tests of neuromuscular function based on consecutive brief exertion of maximum muscle forces in one and two alternating directions, and (3) test the Maximum Dynamic Output hypothesis suggesting the optimization of the muscular system to produce the maximum power and momentum when acting against the weight and inertia of its own limbs. The first general finding is expected to show that the outcome of the rapid movement performance correspond to the body size independent output of muscle power, which would lead to simplification of both the current models of the structure of physical abilities and the standard batteries of physical ability tests. The second general finding is expected to support further development of the novel tests of neuromuscular function that could be not only based on relatively low forces and also easier to administer, but also more valid when assessing functional movement performance. The third main finding is expected to contribute to the development of a theoretical framework for understanding the design and adaptation of the muscular system.