Is the Force-Velocity Profile for Free Jumping a Sound Basis for Individualized Jump Training Prescriptions?

Introduction: Formulating individualized optimized jump training prescriptions based on the force-velocity profile has become popular, but its effectiveness has been contested. Such training programs have opposite effects on "maximal average force" and "maximal average shortening velocity," and we set out to investigate which training-induced changes in the neuromuscular system could cause such effects.

Methods: We used a musculoskeletal simulation model with four body segments and six muscle-tendon actuators to simulate vertical squat jumps with different loads. Independent input was muscle stimulation over time, which was optimized for maximal jump height. We determined the force-velocity profile for a reference model and investigated how it changed when we modified muscle properties and initial postures.

Results: We could not reproduce the reported training effects by realistically improving muscle properties (maximal force, shortening velocity, and rate of force development) or modifying initial postures of the model. However, the profile was very sensitive to gains in jump height at low loads but not high loads, or vice versa. Reaching maximal height in force-velocity profile jumps requires skill. We argued that submaximal performance in low-load or high-load jumps caused by lack of skill could be responsible for large imbalances in profiles before training. Differential skill training promoted by the individualized optimized approach could explain quick changes toward a balanced profile.

Conclusions: If the success of individualized optimized training studies is explained by selective skill improvements, training effects are unlikely to transfer to other tasks, and individualized optimized training will not be superior to other types of training.