ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL

Using the isometric mid-

thigh pull in the monitoring
of weightlifters: 25+ years
of experience
By Michael H Stone1, Harold S O’Bryant1, Guy Hornsby2, Aaron Cunanan1, Satoshi Mizuguchi1,
Dylan G Suarez1, Mark South1, DJ Marsh1, G Gregory Haff3,7, Michael W Ramsey1,
George K Beckham4, Hugo AP Santana5, John P Wagle1, Margaret E Stone1, Kyle C Pierce6,
1
Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education, East Tennessee State University, USA
2
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, USA
3
Centre for Excellence in Sport Sciences Research, Edith Cowan University, Australia
4
Kinesiology Department, California State University, Monterey Bay, USA
5
Faculdade de Educação, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
6
Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, USA
7
Directorate of Sport, Exercise and Physiotherapy, University of Salford, USA
(Force X Time), power and velocity of
ABSTRACT movement.49 However, monitoring that
requires excessive time commitments,
Currently, multi-joint, position-specific isometric tests (MJIT) are or produces excessive fatigue, can be
commonly used as part of the monitoring of an athlete’s progress. Strong counter-productive to the goals of the
associations between isometric force-time curve parameters have been monitoring programme. Multi-joint
found. Perhaps the most commonly used test is the isometric mid-thigh isometric testing (MJIT) represents
pull (IMTP): the IMTP was created in the early 1990s and its use has one aspect of sport performance
grown considerably since that time. One sport for which it has been used monitoring that can be time-efficient
extensively from the early 1990s to the present, particularly by the authors, and is not overly fatiguing.13,26,37
Thus, MJIT measurements, when
is weightlifting. The relationships between weightlifting performance and
properly performed using appropriate
IMTP force-time characteristics are quite strong, particularly for RFD. instrumentation (eg, isometric leg
The IMTP is not only useful in assessing a weightlifter’s performance but press, isometric testing rack, force
can also be used for monitoring fatigue. plate, etc), can allow the coach and
sport scientist to carefully evaluate a
number of relevant variables such as
Introduction In terms of adaptation, variables the isometric peak force (IPF) and the
associated with maximum strength isometric rate of force development
Monitoring an athlete’s training are particularly important for the (IRFD).
and adaption to the training process assessment of the progress of
provides valuable feedback for the weightlifting performance.23,26 As MJIT tests have some important
weightlifting coach. Although there strength can be defined as the ‘ability characteristics and differences that
is some overlap, monitoring can be to produce force’, strength-related make them preferable (at least at
divided into assessment and feedback characteristics include an athlete’s times) to the typical dynamic 1RM
associated with fatigue management, ability to produce maximum force, rate tests such as 1RM squats or cleans.
or programme efficacy and adaptation. of force development (RFD), impulse These include:

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 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019

1. The multi-joint isometric tests

(MJITs) are relatively easy to
administer and typically take
substantially less time than 1RM tests

2. Based on our collective monitoring,

research and coaching experiences, Approximate hip
as well as input from sport coaches Vertical
angle 150 ± 50
adjustment
and athletes, less fatigue is reported (170-1750 with floor)

after the MJIT compared to 1RM

testing. This is supported by
differences in neural activation,
metabolic disturbances and tissue
Isometric
damage resulting from isometric Approximate knee angle
(immovable) bar
30 ± 50
versus dynamic muscle actions6,29,32

3. Although 1RM testing is considered

safe and relatively injury-free –
subjectively and based on injury
reports from our laboratory – injuries
are less frequent in MJITs when
compared to 1RM testing. Over the
last 12 years we have performed well
over 2500 MJIT tests per year on
several hundred athletes each year.
To date we have had three minor
injuries (one isometric squat, and two
isometric mid-thigh pulls [IMTP])
during that 12-year period. As with
other exercises or tests, it is possible
that MJIT could aggravate pre-
existing injuries

4. A major advantage of MJIT is that

maximum force production is less
likely to be missed. It should be
noted that, in typical dynamic 1RM
tests, several factors potentially limit Figure 1a and 1b: 1a) Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) testing device. Top: schematic
the ability of the athlete to produce a isometric mid-thigh clean pulls. 1b) Bottom, photographic image of isometric mid-
true maximum lift. First, the lifts are thigh clean pulls and power position in the clean.
typically performed with free weights
which have finite loading increments
(ie, loadingrestrictionsrelatedtoplate strength. Force plates, load cells, measures was first presented to the
increments) – and therefore increases and other force transducers allow scientific and coaching community in
with each attempt will be limited by the measurement of both the peak 1995.21 The position (Figure 1a & b) for
the smallest available load increment. force values (representing maximum testing, was in part, created to ‘mimic’
Secondly, if the load of each attempt strength), average force and the time- the power position of a clean22 and
is not increased appropriately, as the dependent measures such as rate of to provide the optimum mechanical
athlete approaches their maximum, force development and force at both advantage.7,8,9,17,20 The apparatus, and
the athlete may under-perform as a early and late time periods after the testing position, has subsequently been
result of mis-loading. One common initiation of the contraction.11 used extensively to track a number
scenario occurs when the final (or of different sports,4,5,27,31,44 particularly
near final attempt) is too heavy and The most commonly used MJIT is the weightlifting.23,26,47,48,51
that attempt is barely missed – as a IMTP. After some initial testing of
result of acute fatigue: decreasing the various MJIT by M H Stone during the Injury resulting from testing is always
load a few kilograms still results in late 1980s, the IMTP and the testing a concern; however, in our experience,
failure apparatus were created and developed having performed many thousands of
in the early 1990s by M H Stone, H tests, we have found the injury rate to
5. Perhaps the most important O’Bryant and G Haff at Appalachian be very low; we have observed only two
advantage of MJIT is that there is State University. After considerable minor injuries in over 25 years of using
a wealth of information concerning pilot testing, the use of an isometric the IMTP to monitor athletes. Neither
the athlete’s abilities that can be rack, testing positions and comparison injury interfered with daily routines or
obtained in addition to maximum between isometric and dynamic training. Indeed, the isometric pull is

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ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL

now commonly used throughout the

world and reported injuries have been 7000
6610 N Peak force
quite rare.
6000

5000
Methodology for measurements

Force (Newtons)
4000
As with any athlete monitoring test, the
calibration, test environment, warm-up 3000
and commands should be standardised RFD 0–250ms (red line)
in order to enhance the tests’ validity 2000
and particularly reliability (see Comfort
Initiation of pull
et al13 for additional details). Validity 1000
deals with the question: ‘does the System mass, measured in ready position
test measure what it is supposed to 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
measure?’ For MJIT this depends upon
the force plate used and the quality Time (seconds)
of the force transducers in the plate.
Validity and reliability can be enhanced
by proper and frequent calibration.
Calibration is typically performed by 10,000
adding increasing incremental loads to 9000
the plate and comparing the recorded
loading to the load being added. 8000

Calibration should be performed at 7000

the beginning and end of every testing
RFD (N•S-1)

session to ensure accurate data (for 6000

Pre
further discussion see Beckham et 5000 Strength-endurance
al14). Reliability is an estimate of the Strength-power
4000
repeatability of a measure. Reliability
is a measure of likely error and is 3000
basically associated with the amount
2000
of random and systematic error from
the measurement process that might 1000
be embedded in the test scores. If a 0
measurement is not reliable for a given RFD50 RFD100 RFD150 RFD200 RFD250
goal of measurement, then it is not clear
whether observed changes are due to
error or adaptations, so generalizations/ Figure 2. (top) IMTP Force-/Time Curve (with system mass and slack force)
conclusions from the data cannot be Figure 3: (bottom) Rate of force Development at four different time bands across time
made. Reliability is generally assessed in response to different training blocks (modified from Suarez et al 2018)
with an intra-class correlation (ICC) and
coefficient of variation (CV). For MJIT Warm-up procedures used in our the exact knee and hip angle may vary
force and related variables reliability, athlete monitoring programme are slightly and some angle adjustments
the ICC should be above 0.75 and the relatively simple and take no more may be necessary in order to optimise
CV less than 15%.19 When appropriate than 5-10 minutes.7,8,9,15 Typically, a the individual athlete’s pulling
instrumentation, calibration and general warm-up would consist of position.9 Similar to teaching the
instructions are used these reliability jumping jacks followed by light clean power position to an athlete,25 posture
values are easily attained for most pulls from the power position.15,26,24 This should be individualised; however,
measured variables.7,8,9,15 Based on would be followed by a specific warm- the athlete’s IMTP position should be
our experience, further enhancement up of IMTPs at a perceived 50 and 75% consistent between testing sessions.9,20
of reliability occurs among athletes maximum effort.20 For weightlifters in particular, the
who regularly engage in weightlifting position should mirror the power
pulling movements and/or are regularly Following a standardised warm-up, position (ie, start of the second pull) in
exposed to IMTP testing. each athlete should be positioned the clean.8,23,25
in a custom-built power rack with
Any warm-up used to prepare for an affixed bar (Figure 1a and b). The The isometric testing rack can use a
the IMTP test should not be too internal knee and hip angles can be single or more appropriately dual force
strenuous as this can elevate fatigue measured manually using a goniometer plate testing system that allows testing
and negatively impact the tests’ results. and should be approximately 125-145° for asymmetrical pulling movements.
The warm-up should also be specific and 140-150° respectively, with a small As the RFD can be quite high, the
to the test and include submaximal amount of tension to remove system sampling rate of a minimum of 1000
attempts for the mid-thigh pull (IMTP). slack.13 Depending upon the athlete, Hz is typically used in order to ensure

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 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019

that no pertinent data is missed.9 An

important factor for the IMTP is to 7000
make sure that the strength of the 20,000

hands does not become a limiting 6000 18,000

factor. Lifters can be secured to the bar
16,000
using weightlifting straps and athletic
5000
tape (Figure 1b) in order to eliminate 14,000
grip strength as a confounding variable

RFD (N•S-1)
12,000

Force (N)
4000
during testing.22 Prior to maximal effort
trials, a 50% and a 75% warm-up effort 10,000

should be completed, separated by 3000

8000
sixty seconds of rest. Three minutes of
rest should be given following the final 2000 6000

warm-up effort. Each athlete should Trained: RFD –

4000
Force –
complete at least two maximal-effort 1000
Well-trained: RFD –
IMTP trials and the athletes should be Force –
2000

instructed to ‘pull as fast and as hard’ 0 0

as they can. Additional trials should be Pre Post 6h 24h 48h 72h

completed if the isometric peak force

(IPF) differs between trials >250 N or Figure 4. Recovery of isometric peak force and RFD: Typical recovery pattern after
if there is a >200 N counter-movement training session (squats and push press for 5 x 5 at 95 – 100% relative intensity for
in any trial. Verbal encouragement sets and repetitions) well-trained athlete recovers faster
should be provided during every IMTP
effort. Three minutes of rest is typically Software packages may use peak RFD, unlikely.45,37 However, of the markers
given between trials to help ensure a time-banded RFD, or both, so it is currently used, longitudinal recovery of
maximum effort for all trials. Kinetic important for the coach to be sure which neuromuscular function (NF) is likely
data can be processed/analyzed using ‘type’ of RFD is being outputted. Figure the most practically viable means, as
commercially available software such 3 shows the RFD at four different time most NF measurements, particularly
as ForceDecks (Brisbane, Australia) or bands (time from 0 to a specified time); the IMTP, produce relatively little
by using custom designed programmes 0-50 ms, 0-100 ms, 0-150 ms, 0—200 ms, fatigue and have a low potential for
(eg, Lab View, National Instruments, 0-250 ms. RFD for these time bands can injury. Furthermore, NF measurements
Austin, Texas). The two best trials (best provide unique insights into various are relatively easy to perform/assess
= highest PFs and no ‘issues’ with test phases of a snatch or clean pull.20,8,30 and these measures are associated
and/or data) should be averaged for with training load alterations and sport
data analysis: by averaging the trials a performance injury risk.3,26,36,37
clearer ‘picture’ of the athlete’s typical Use of the IMTP as a monitoring tool
capabilities during a specific time The two most common IMTP measures
frame can be made and the reliability As previously noted, appropriate used for monitoring are IPF and IRFD.
of the test, especially the CV, can be monitoring can be used to gauge IPF is unlikely to be very useful for
enhanced.43 fatigue or measure programme fatigue management as maxi-mum
efficacy and adaptation. From a fatigue strength (reflected by IPF) is not
Analysis of the resulting force time management aspect, the quantification particularly sensitive to fatigue and
curve can provide a considerable of fatigue can be important both only shows substantial decreases
amount of data that will aid in from a load adjustment and training when accumulative fatigue is quite
ascertaining the athlete’s level of prescription aspect, as well as providing severe.26,37 On the other hand, RFD is
progress. A typical IMTP force-time training background injury risk. Often, very sensitive to fatigue and can be a
curve is shown in Figure 2. Several key due to its multi-factorial nature, a valuable part of a fatigue management
factors can be derived from the force- variety of monitoring tools are used to plan. Another potential advantage of
time curve. IPF has been shown to estimate the degree of fatigue. Tests explosive strength force-time measures
strongly associate with weightlifting have included serum markers of muscle (eg, RFD bands) using the IMTP is a
ability.8,22,23,26,48 Perhaps the most damage, cytokine and endocrine better understanding of the neural and
sensitive measure for assessing both responses, immune status and reactive contractile mechanisms associated with
adaptation and fatigue is the RFD.26,37,48 oxygen species concentrations, neuro- neuromuscular fatigue; 1,2,18 particularly
Peak RFD is calculated using a ‘sliding muscular function, and recovery when using multi-joint measures which
window’ of predetermined length (eg, questionnaires.6,35,42,52 Although these can provide greater ecological validity
5ms), over which RFD is calculated tests often provide data-rich for sports especially weightlifting.26,34,41
(∆Force/∆time), and the highest information, the regular longitudinal It appears that early phase RFD
RFD value from any of the windows measurement of most of these (<75 ms) is primarily influenced
is selected.24 Although peak RFD was markers is not typically feasible due by neural and intrinsic muscle
used in initial studies,22 it is not always to cost and time constraints. Finding properties, whereas later phases (>75
reliable, whereas RFD over specified a single measure that is indicative ms-300 ms) are regulated primarily by
time bands (eg, 0-200ms, 0-250ms) of all fatigue manifestations would contractile components and maximum
typically show good reliability.24 be quite advantageous, but it is also strength.1,2,18,34,41,48

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 ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL

For example, Figure 3 shows the IMTP-

6000
derived RFD resulting from two
different consecutive phases of training
in a group of college age weightlifters
5500 of USA national calibre (n= 11; six males
and five females). The first training
Important competition Local competition
5000 phase (strength-endurance) was the
initial block of the training stage and
consisted of high volumes of low to
4500
moderate relative intensities. The
second phase of training (strength-
4000 power block) consisted of moderate
volumes at higher relative intensities,
3500
RFD was measured at the five different
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 time bands before and after each block.
Note (Figure 3) that RFD was depressed
after the initial strength-endurance
Males Females block (≈4 weeks), but interestingly IPF
was little altered during this phase.
Males = 4; Females = 3
T1: AR baseline - after a one-week low volume and low-moderate intensity active rest block
It should be realized that a SE block
T2: SE: after a four-week high volume low to moderate intensity block
(high training volume) often results
T3: sP: after a four-week block moderate to low volume strength-power phase (with a one-week
in substantial accumulative fatigue
over-reach block with increased volume emphasizing increase maximum strength) follow by a
as noted by alterations in subjective
taper emphasizing power and emphasizing complete lifts (snatch and clean & jerk)
perceptions, subtlehormonalalterations
T4: AR: after a two-week very low volume and intensity active rest block
and depressed NF, particularly as
T5: S: after a four-week block emphasizing increased maximum strength
reflected by RFD and higher velocity/
T6: Sp: after a three-week block (one-week over-reaching with increased volume emphasizing increase
power movements such as weighted
maximum strength) and two-weeks of strength+power combination. Volume moved from high to low.
vertical jumps.26,39 After the second
block, RFD increased substantially
Figure 5.(top) Isometric peak force (IPF) across time. Modified from Hornsby et al 2017 above baseline testing, reflecting both
Figure 6. (bottom) Isometric rate of force development (RFD; 0- 200ms) across time. the reduction in volume (and reduced
Modified from Hornsby et al 2017 accumulated fatigue) and the adaptive
process. Similar findings have been
consistently observed in our laboratory
16500 with a variety of advanced/well-trained
athletes, particularly strength-power
16500 athletes.26,38,48 So, it should be noted
from this example that RFD can reflect
both long-term/accumulated fatigue
14500
Important competition
Local competition and adaptation to training.
12500 RFD can also be used to track short-term
recovery from training.37 NF can require
10500 up to 96 hours to return to baseline
after a strenuous training session or
competition among rugby and soccer
8500
players.28,16,37,53,54 Similar observations for
RFD have been observed after weight
6500 training sessions in our laboratory.
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
Although IPF can be considerably
depressed immediately after a high
Males = 4; Females = 3 Males Females
volume or very high intensity weight-
T1: baseline after a three-week low volume and intensity active rest block
training session it typically returns
T2: after a four-week high volume low to moderate intensity block
to baseline within 24 hours among
T3: after a four-week block moderate to low volume strength-power phase (with a one-week over-reach
well-trained lifters (slightly longer
block with increased volume emphasizing increase maximum strength) follow by a taper emphasizing
in lesser trained athletes). Although
power and emphasizing complete lifts (snatch and clean & jerk)
there are differences in individual
T4: after a two-week low volume and intensity active rest block
recovery IPF abilities, RFD can require
T5: after a four-week block emphasizing increased maximum strength
substantially more time, potentially
T6: after a three-week block (one-week over-reaching with increased volume emphasizing increase
indicating a relatively long-lasting
maximum strength) and two-weeks of strength+power combination. Volume moved from high to low.
neural disturbance (Figure 4). So,
when examining programme efficacy/

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 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019

adaptation effects using isometric

RFD (or other NF tests), a reasonable PF + circle
RFD + bar
recovery period should take place
before measurement, especially
if the last training session was 20000
10000 18000
reasonably strenuous. Furthermore,

RFD (N•S-1)
8000 16000

Force (N)
if an athlete is not showing recovery 7000 14000
within a reasonable time (≈ 48-72 hr.) 6000 12000
then training alterations should be 5000 10000
considered. 4000 8000
3000 6000
2000 4000
A major reason for the use of monitoring

Post

Post

Post
1000

PRE

PRE

PRE
2000
with athletes is programme efficacy: 0 0
this basically deals with whether the
Start Knee Power position
programme worked in the anticipated
(mid-thigh)
manner – or not. As previously noted, Start: bar at the position of weights on floor with 20 kg plates
the two most commonly used force-time Knee: bar at mid-patella height
characteristics derived from the IMTP Power: bar at IMTP height (power position)
have been PF and RFD. Figures 5 and
6 depict both IPF and RFD behaving as Figure 7. IPF and IRFD at different positions for the clean
expected.26 PF showed little alteration
from baseline (T1) after the initial SE
high volume block (T2), but an increase
after T3 when strength and power by Hornsby et al,26 marked differences 2 seconds. All pertinent IRFD bands
were emphasized. After the active rest in the pattern of adaptation can be can be captured in this time frame.
block (T4), maximum strength (IPF) noted among different athletes,40 This reduction in pulling time may
again showed an expected reduction which may mean some alteration in also decrease both fatigue and injury
as a result of decrease volume and training for those individual athletes potential(allinjuriesreportedhavebeen
intensity of training (ie, detraining). would be necessary near peak force). One possible scenario
IPF was substantially increased after T5 would be to perform the complete
(emphasis on maximum strength) and 3. Group differences deviating from test only at the beginning and end of
was maintained through T6. the expected should entail a re- the competitive season (or beginning
consideration of training methods. and end of a macrocycle (Stage) and
RFD also followed the expected to perform the RFD shortened test
alterations across time. Note the fall Another variation of the IMTP would (2 s pull) more often; the shortened less
in RFD after the high-volume strength be to use a number of different pulling fatiguing test can be performed closer
endurance block (SE) agreeing with the positions. For example, clean pulls from to the competition.
observations of Suarez et al.48 After the the starting position, pulls from the bar
sP block with an over-reaching phase at knee level, and pulls from the power As heavier athletes can typically
followed by a substantial volume taper, position. Figure 7 represents the typical produce more absolute force than
RFD was at its highest value just before patternfor IPFand IRFDforareasonably smaller athletes, comparison between
the most important competition of advanced lifter (eg, USA American different size athletes can require
the year for these lifters. As expected Open Championship level) at these scaling in order to reduce the effect of
(among male lifters), detraining caused three positions. Similar patterns would differences in body size. Performances
a marked decrease in RFD (T4) followed be noted for the isometric snatch pull. can be scaled by dividing a result
by an increase as emphases in training Note with training both IPF and IRFD by body mass, traditional allometric
again returned to strength and power can be improved. However, depending scaling,33 or other methods such as
(T5–T6). There was an unexpected upon the position emphasis in training, the Sinclair Coefficient.46 Traditional
drop in RFD among the female lifters greater or lesser improvements for that allometric scaling attempts to account
at T6: exactly why this happened is not position can be made. for the increase in maximum strength
completely understood – yet. as body mass increases by using the
two-thirds power law: isometric force
Programme efficacy monitoring is Nuances and details · bodymass-0.67. Although several
especially important as it can identify methods of scaling the results obtained
and quantify: Although the IMTP is not particularly from an IMTP have been tried, it is
fatiguing or injurious, it may not always important to note that all scaling
1. Differences between males and be feasible to perform the complete methods have limitations.14,46,50 There
females – differences could make test close to an important competition. are limitations to each scaling method,
it necessary to consider somewhat It should be noted that RFD is quite but traditional allometric scaling is
different training programmes for sensitive to both fatigue and adaptation generally efficacious.10,33,50 Allometric
males and females – if IRFD is the primary variable for scaling likely allows for a better (more
consideration then the pulling time fair) assessment compared to simply
2. Although not observed in the study can be decreased to approximately dividing an athletes strength by their

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 ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019 USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL

body mass (PF/ body mass), due to

strength rising at slower rate than body
mass (eg, a 100kg athlete squatting 2.5 PRINCIPAL AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY
times body mass is more impressive
than a 50kg athlete squatting 2.5 times MICHAEL H STONE, PHD

body mass).50 Michael H Stone, PhD, is currently the exercise and sports science
laboratory director and the PhD coordinator in the department of sport,
Scaling strength is useful for various exercise, recreation and kinesiology at East Tennessee State University
sports and a particularly important (ETSU). He was a USA national level weightlifter during the 1970s and
80s. From 1999-2001 he was chair of sport at Edinburgh University. Prior
consideration for strength-based weight
to joining ETSU, he was the head of sports physiology (2001-2005) for
class sports such as weightlifting. For
example, using the IMTP, an IPF of the USOC. Dr Stone’s service and research interests are primarily concerned with
physiological and performance adaptations to strength/power training. He has more
5000Nperformedbyanathleteweighing
than 240 publications in reviewed journals, co-authored two textbooks dealing with
100 kg would produce an allometrically
strength and conditioning, and has contributed chapters to several texts in the areas
scaled peak force (IPFa) of 229. This can
of bioenergetics, nutrition, and strength/power training. Dr Stone was the 1991 NSCA
be compared to an athlete weighing
Sports Scientist of the Year and was awarded the NSCA Lifetime Achievement Award in
81 kg producing an IPF of 4500 N and
an IPFa of 237. So, the smaller athlete 2000. He was the recipient of the ETSU award for Distinguish Research Faculty in 2008,
and was awarded the 2012 ‘Doc’ Councilman award for application of sport science to
is actually stronger on a relative basis.
sport by USA Weightlifting. He is a Fellow of the UKSCA and NSCA and is certified by
Although RFD is not substantially
the UKSCA (ASCC), NSCA (CSCS) and USA Weightlifting. He has been the strength
affected by body mass, RFD can also be
and conditioning coach for a number of different sports and has coached several
scaled. Typically, this is accomplished
international and national level weightlifters (including one Olympian) and throwers in
by dividing the RFD by IPF1 or dividing
both the United States and Great Britain.
the RFD by the allometrically scaled
body mass. Importantly, by using these
scaling method, athletes of different
References
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specificity, for many sports, particularly JJ, Comfort P and Stone MH. Returners Exhibit use in performance monitoring and sport science
weightlifting, the isometric mid-thigh Greater Jumping Performance Improvements testing. New Studies in Athletics 29:3; 25-37, 2014.
pull (IMTP) is especially useful, both for During a Peaking Phase Compared to New Players 12. Carroll KM, Bernards JR, Bazyler CD, Taber CB, Stuart
regularly monitoring athletes as well as on a Volleyball Team. International Journal of Sports CA, DeWeese BH, Sato K, and Stone MH. Divergent
for research purposes. Physiology and Performance 13(6):709-716, 2018a performance outcomes following resistance training
5. Bazyler CD, Mizuguchi S, Zourdos MC, Sato K, using repetition maximums or relative intensity.
For coaches, monitoring is especially Kavanaugh AA, DeWeese BH, Breuel KF and Stone International Journal of Sports Physiology and
important in that it provides the coach MH. Characteristics of a National Level Female Performance 29:1-28, 2018.
with pertinent information about their Weightlifter Peaking for Competition: A Case Study. 13. Comfort P, Dos’Santos T, Beckham GK, Stone
athletes, allowing coaching decisions Journal of Strength Conditioning Research 2018b (In MH, Guppy S, and Haff, GG. Standardization and
that may not be possible otherwise. Press – e-pub ahead). methodological considerations for the Isometric Mid-
Although there is some overlap, 6. Byrne C, Twist C and Eston R. Neuromuscular function Thigh Pull. Strength & Conditioning Journal (In Press
monitoring can be divided into fatigue after exercise-induced muscle damage - Theoretical 2019)
management and programme efficacy. and applied implications. Sports Medicine 34(1):49-69, 14. Comfort, P and Pearson, SJ (2014). Scaling—Which
The IMTP and tracking IPF and 2004 methods best predict performance? Journal of
especially IRFD can provide insights 7. Beckham GK, Lamont HS, Sato K, Ramsey MW, Haff Strength and Conditioning Research, 28, 1565–1572.
into acute and chronic fatigue and GG and Stone MH. Isometric strength of powerlifters 15. Cormack SJ, Newton RU and McGuigan MR.
long-term adaptations not otherwise in key positions of the conventional deadlift. Journal of Neuromuscular and Endocrine Responses of
possible.

PROFES SIONAL STRENG TH & CONDITIONING / WWW .UKSC A.ORG.UK 25

USE OF ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL ISSUE 54 / SEPTEMBER 2019

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