Muscle Fibre Test
Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.
Objective
The muscle fibre test's objective is to determine the fibre composition of the muscles used for a particular exercise. Two test protocols are described: The Dr F. Hatfield muscle fibre test and the Charles Poliquin muscle fibre test (Hale 2006)[1].
Required Resources
To conduct this test, you will require:
- Weight training facilities
- An assistant/spotter
- Selection of exercises
How to conduct the Dr F. Hatfield muscle fibre test
- Determine your one-repetition maximum (1RM) on an exercise
- Rest for 15 minutes
- Perform as many repetitions as possible with 80% of your 1RM
Analysis
- Less than 7 repetitions - fast-twitch (FT) dominant
- 7 or 8 repetitions - mixed fibre type
- more than 8 repetitions - slow-twitch (ST) dominant
If you are FT dominant, you should use heavier loads and lower repetitions in your training. On the other hand, ST dominant individuals will respond better to lighter loads and higher repetitions.
How to conduct the Charles Poliquin muscle fibre test
- Determine your one-repetition maximum (1RM) on an exercise
- Rest for 15 minutes
- Perform as many repetitions as possible with 85% of your 1RM
Analysis
- Less than 5 repetitions - fast-twitch (FT) dominant
- 5 repetitions - mixed fibre type
- more than 5 repetitions - slow-twitch (ST) dominant
If you are FT dominant, you should use heavier loads and lower repetitions in your training. On the other hand, ST dominant individuals will respond better to lighter loads and higher repetitions.
Target Group
This test is suitable for all athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.
Reliability
Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, the test reliability.
Validity
Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to determine the muscles' fibre composition used for a particular exercise.
Advantages
- Minimal equipment required
- Simple to set up and conduct
Disadvantages
- Specialist equipment required
- Assistant required to administer the test
References
- HALE J. (2006) Adapting your workout to suit your muscle fibre type. Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching, 37, p. 6-7
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2006) Muscle Fibre Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/musclefibre.htm [Accessed