Effect of countermovement on elbow joint extension power-load characteristics

The aim of the present study was to examine elbow joint extension power-load characteristics with and without a countermovement. Eight male participants performed maximal elbow extensions with and without a countermovement against different loads (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 kg). Electromyographic activity of the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii and the biceps brachii muscles was recorded. The average joint power in the concentric phase was significantly enhanced in the countermovement condition at all loads except for 0 kg. The optimal load for the maximal joint power was greater in the countermovement (7.5 kg) than in the no countermovement condition (5.0 kg). Electromyographic activity was unchanged over the intensities and conditions. Our results suggest that the optimal load for the maximal joint power depends on the type of action (i.e. with or without a counter-movement), and that the enhanced joint power in the countermovement condition is due primarily to the storage and utilization of elastic energy.     

The effects of barbell load on countermovement vertical jump power and net impulse

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of barbell load on countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) power and net impulse within a theoretically valid framework, cognisant of the underpinning force, temporal, and spatial components. A total of 24 resistance-trained rugby union athletes (average ± SD: age: 23.1 ± 3.4 years; height: 1.83 ± 0.05 m; body mass (BM): 91.3 ± 10.5 kg) performed maximal CMJ under 5 experimental conditions in a randomised, counterbalanced order: unloaded, and with additional loads of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of BM. Peak power and average power were maximised during the unloaded condition, both decreasing significantly (P < 0.05) as load increased. Net impulse was maximised with 75% of BM, which was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the unloaded and 100% of BM conditions. Net mean force and mean velocity were maximised during the unloaded condition and decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as load increased, whereas phase duration increased significantly (P < 0.05) as load increased. As such, the interaction between barbell load and the underpinning force, time, and displacement components should be considered by strength and conditioning coaches when prescribing barbell loads.     

The acute effects of bodyweight suspension exercise on muscle activation and muscular fatigue

This investigation examined effects of two exercise modes (barbell, BB; bodyweight suspension, BWS) on muscle activation, resistance load, and fatigue. During session one, nine resistance-trained males completed an elbow flexion one-repetition maximum (1RM). During sessions two and three, subjects completed standing biceps curls to fatigue at 70% 1RM utilizing a randomized exercise mode. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded muscle activation of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae. BWS resistance load was measured using a force transducer. Standing maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the elbow flexors recorded at 90° were used to determine the isometric force decrement and rate of fatigue (ROF) during exercise. sEMG and resistance load data were divided into 25% contraction duration bins throughout the concentric phase. BWS resulted in a 67.7?±?7.4% decline in resistance load throughout the concentric phase (p?≤?0.05). As a result, BB elicited higher mean resistance loads (31.4?±?4.0?kg) and biceps brachii sEMG (84.7?±?27.8% maximal voluntary isometric contractions, MVIC) compared with BWS (20.4?±?3.4?kg, 63.4?±?21.6% MVIC). No difference in rectus abdominis or erector spinae sEMG was detected between exercise modes. Isometric force decrement was greater during BWS (?21.7?±?7.0?kg) compared with BB (?14.9?±?4.7?kg); however, BB (?3.0?±?0.8?kg/set) resulted in a steeper decline in ROF compared with BWS (?1.7?±?0.6?kg/set). The variable resistance loading and greater isometric force decrement observed suggest that select BWS exercises may resemble variable resistance exercise more than previously considered.     

The Effect of In-Season Traditional and Explosive Resistance Training Programs on Strength,Jump Height,and Speed in Recreational Soccer Players

Purpose: Resistance training is often performed in a traditional training style using deliberate relatively longer repetition durations or in an explosive training style using maximal intended velocities and relatively shorter repetition durations. Both improve strength, “power” (impulsivity), and speed. This study compared explosive and traditional training over a 6-week intervention in 30 healthy young adult male recreational soccer players. Method: Full body supervised resistance training was performed 2 times a week using 3 sets of each exercise at 80% of one repetition maximum to momentary failure. Outcomes were Smith machine squat 1 repetition maximum, 10 meter sprint time, and countermovement jump. Results: Both groups significantly improved all outcomes based on 95% confidence intervals not crossing zero. There were no between-group differences for squat 1 RM (TRAD = 6.3[5.1 to 7.6] kg, EXP = 5.2[3.9 to 6.4] kg) or 10 meter sprint (TRAD = ?0.05[?0.07 to ?0.04] s, EXP = ?0.05[?0.06 to ?0.03] s). Explosive group had a significantly greater increase in countermovement jump compared to the traditional group (TRAD = 0.7[0.3 to 1.1] cm, EXP = 1.3[0.9 to 1.7] cm). Conclusion: Both the traditional training and explosive training performed to momentary failure produced significant improvements in strength, speed, and jump performance. Strength gains are similar independent of intended movement speed. However, speed and jump performance changes are marginal with resistance training.     

Maximalist shoes do not alter performance or joint mechanical output during the countermovement jump

ABSTRACT

This study examined potential differences between maximally cushioned (MAX) shoes and standard cushioned (STND) shoes during countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) performance. Twenty-one males (23[2] y; 86.5[15.4] kg; 179.8[6.3] cm) completed eight jumps each in MAX and STND shoes while three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected. Paired-samples t-tests (α = 0.05) and Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) were used to compare the following variables: vertical jump displacement, jump time, hip, knee and ankle joint angles at the start of the countermovement, the end of the unloading phase, the end of the eccentric phase, and at takeoff, peak joint power, and the joint contributions to total lower extremity work during the eccentric and concentric phases. The ankle was more dorsiflexed at the end of the countermovement in the MAX shoe (p = 0.002; ES = 0.55) but greater plantarflexion occurred in the STND shoes at takeoff (p = 0.028; ES = 0.56). No other differences were observed. The result of this study suggests that unique ankle joint angular positioning may be employed when wearing MAX versus STND shoes. Since the unique ankle joint positioning did not alter jump performance, potential MAX footwear users might not need to consider the potential for altered CMVJ performance when determining whether to adopt MAX footwear.     

Effect of loading on peak power of the bar,body, and system during power cleans,squats, and jump squats

Abstract

Nine males (age 24.7 ± 2.1 years, height 175.3 ± 5.5 cm, body mass 80.8 ± 7.2 kg, power clean 1-RM 97.1 ± 6.36 kg, squat 1-RM = 138.3 ± 20.9 kg) participated in this study. On day 1, the participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the power clean and the squat. On days 2, 3, and 4, participants performed the power clean, squat or jump squat. Loading for the power clean ranged from 30% to 90% of the participant's power clean 1-RM and loading for the squat and jump squat ranged from 0% to 90% of the participant's squat 1-RM, all at 10% increments. Peak force, velocity, and power were calculated for the bar, body, and system (bar + body) for all power clean, squat, and jump squat trials. Results indicate that peak power for the bar, body, and system is differentially affected by load and movement pattern. When using the power clean, squat or jump squat for training, the optimal load in each exercise may vary. Throwing athletes or weightlifters may be most concerned with bar power, but jumpers or sprinters may be more concerned with body or system power. Thus, the exercise type and load vary according to the desired stimulus.     

A biomechanical comparison of countermovement performance after short-term traditional and daily-undulated loaded vertical jump training

In order to assess lower extremity muscle mechanical properties in athletes, power-load characteristics during multi-joint tasks are frequently examined. This work compared 6 weeks of traditional (TP) and daily-undulated (DUP) periodized loaded countermovement jumping (CMJ). 20 amateur athletes (age: 24.2 ± 2.6 years, height: 175.6 ± 7.1 cm, body mass: 71.5 ± 7.7 kg, 10 males/10 females) exercised three times weekly using maximal CMJs with loads corresponding to 0%, 15% and 30% of body mass. Prior to the training period, subjects were once-only assigned by random to either the TP or DUP training scheme. Pre-to-post training, maximal center of mass (COM) -height, -take-off velocity, -power output and -impulse were compared during CMJ with additional loads corresponding to 0–30% of body mass. ANOVA (time * group) with repeated measures revealed significant (P < 0.05) temporal gains of maximal COM-height (2–11%), -take-off velocity (1–7%), -power (2–8%) and -impulse (3–9%) over most loading conditions for TP and DUP. However, ANOVA indicated no group effects for any outcome. Independent from the periodization model, maximal power output remained statistically unchanged with increased testing loads. For short-term conditioning periods, TP and DUP were equally effective in enhancing biomechanical jumping variables under varying loading conditions.     

Reliability of a combined biomechanical and surface electromyographical analysis system during dynamic barbell squat exercise

Abstract

An analysis system for barbell weightlifting exercises is proposed to record reliable performance and neuromuscular responses. The system consists of surface electromyography (sEMG) synchronized with electrogoniometry and a barbell position transducer. The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability of the three components of the system. Nine males (age 28.9 ± 4.8 years, mass 85.7 ± 15.1 kg) performed squat exercise at three loads on three separate trial days. A data acquisition and software system processed maximal knee angle (flexion), mean power for the concentric phase of squat exercise, and normalized root mean square of the vastus lateralis. Inter-trial coefficients of variation for each variable were calculated as 5.3%, 7.8%, and 7.5% respectively. In addition, knee joint motion and barbell displacement were significantly related to each other (bar displacement (m) = 1.39–0.0057 × knee angle (degress), with goodness-of-fit value, r ² = 0.817), suggesting knee goniometry alone can represent the kinematics of a multi-joint squat exercise. The proven reliability of the three components of this system allows for real-time monitoring of resistance exercise using the preferred training methods of athletes, which could be valuable in the understanding of the neuromuscular response of elite strength training methods.     

The ingestion of a caffeinated energy drink improves jump performance and activity patterns in elite badminton players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a caffeine-containing energy drink to enhance physical and match performance in elite badminton players. Sixteen male and elite badminton players (25.4 ± 7.3 year; 71.8 ± 7.9 kg) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomised experiment. On two different sessions, badminton players ingested 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass in the form of an energy drink or the same drink without caffeine (placebo). After 60 min, participants performed the following tests: handgrip maximal force production, smash jump without and with shuttlecock, squat jump, countermovement jump and the agility T-test. Later, a 45-min simulated badminton match was played. Players’ number of impacts and heart rate was measured during the match. The ingestion of the caffeinated energy drink increased squat jump height (34.5 ± 4.7 vs. 36.4 ± 4.3 cm; P < 0.05), squat jump peak power (P < 0.05), countermovement jump height (37.7 ± 4.5 vs. 39.5 ± 5.1 cm; P < 0.05) and countermovement jump peak power (P < 0.05). In addition, an increased number of total impacts was found during the badminton match (7395 ± 1594 vs. 7707 ± 2033 impacts; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results show that the use of caffeine-containing energy drink may be an effective nutritional aid to increase jump performance and activity patterns during game in elite badminton players.     

Temporal and kinetic analysis of unilateral jumping in the vertical,horizontal, and lateral directions

Abstract

The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the reliability of various kinetic and temporal variables for unilateral vertical, horizontal, and lateral countermovement jumps; (2) determine whether there are differences in vertical ground reaction force production between the three types of jumps; (3) quantify the magnitude of asymmetry between limbs for variables that were established as reliable in a healthy population and whether asymmetries were consistent across jumps of different direction; and (4) establish the best kinetic predictor(s) of jump performance in the vertical, horizontal, and lateral planes of motion. Thirty team sport athletes performed three trials of the various countermovement jumps on both legs on two separate occasions. Eccentric and concentric peak force and concentric peak power were the only variables with acceptable reliability (coefficient of variation = 3.3–15.1%; intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.70–0.96). Eccentric and concentric peak vertical ground reaction force (14–16%) and concentric peak power (45–51%) were significantly (P < 0.01) greater in the vertical countermovement jump than in the horizontal countermovement jump and lateral countermovement jump, but no significant difference was found between the latter two jumps. No significant leg asymmetries (–2.1% to 9.3%) were found in any of the kinetic variables but significant differences were observed in jump height and distance. The best single predictors of vertical countermovement jump, horizontal countermovement jump, and lateral countermovement jump performance were concentric peak vertical power/body weight (79%), horizontal concentric peak power/body weight (42.6%), and eccentric peak vertical ground reaction force/body weight (14.9%) respectively. These findings are discussed in relation to monitoring and developing direction-specific jump performance.     

Isometric training with maximal co-contraction instruction does not increase co-activation during exercises against external resistances

Abstract

The present investigation verified that strength is improved by a training programme consisting of repetitions of maximal isometric voluntary co-contractions without increasing co-activations during contractions against external resistances. Ten participants performed 12 training sessions (four sets of 6 × 4 second maximal isometric co-contraction of the elbow flexor and extensors, 3 days a week for 4 weeks). Surface electromyograms of triceps and biceps brachii were collected during maximal voluntary isometric elbow flexion and extension against a force transducer. Maximal voluntary isometric force increased significantly after training, by 13.8 ± 6.0% (extension) and 9.6 ± 9.5% (flexion), but the observed increases in EMG of agonist muscles during maximal voluntary contraction were not significant. No significant changes in the levels of co-activation of the elbow flexors and extensors were observed. No significant change was observed for all the parameters in a control group of ten participants. These results indicated that the strength improvements after co-contraction training occur without increases in co-activation level.     

Effect of warm-up exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness

Abstract

In this study, we wished to determine whether a warm-up exercise consisting of 100 submaximal concentric contractions would attenuate delayed-onset muscle soreness and decreases in muscle strength associated with eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Ten male students performed two bouts of an elbow flexor exercise consisting of 12 maximal eccentric contractions with a warm-up exercise for one arm (warm-up) and without warm-up for the other arm (control) in a randomized, counterbalanced order separated by 4 weeks. Muscle temperature of the biceps brachii prior to the exercise was compared between the arms, and muscle activity of the biceps brachii during the exercise was assessed by surface integral electromyogram (iEMG). Changes in visual analogue scale for muscle soreness and maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength (MVC) of the elbow flexors were assessed before, immediately after, and every 24 h for 5 days following exercise, and compared between the warm-up and control conditions by a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. The pre-exercise biceps brachii muscle temperature was significantly (P<0.01) higher for the warm-up (35.8±0.2°C) than the control condition (34.4±0.2°C), but no significant differences in iEMG and torque produced during exercise were evident between conditions. Changes in muscle soreness and MVC were not significantly different between conditions, although these variables showed significant (P<0.05) changes over time. It was concluded that the warm-up exercise was not effective in mitigating delayed-onset muscle soreness and loss of muscle strength following maximal eccentric exercise.     

The influence of variable resistance moment arm on knee extensor performance

Abstract

To enhance muscular strength, resistance training machines with a cam, incorporating a variable resistance moment arm, are widely used. However, little information is available about the influence of the variable resistance moment arm on torque, velocity, and power during muscle contraction. To address this, a knee extensor machine was equipped with a cam or with a semi-circular pulley that imposed a variable or a constant resistance moment arm, respectively. Fourteen physically active men performed two full knee extensions against loads of 40–80 kg in both conditions. Participants developed significantly higher torque with the pulley than with the cam (P < 0.001). The relative differences between pulley and cam conditions across all loads ranged from 8.72% to 19.87% (P < 0.001). Average knee extension velocity was significantly higher in the cam condition than in the pulley condition. No differences were observed in average and peak power, except at 50 and 55 kg. Torque–velocity and power–velocity relationships were modified when the resistance moment arm was changed. In conclusion, whatever the link, namely cam or pulley, the participants produced similar power at each load. However, the torque–velocity and power–velocity relationships were different in the cam and pulley conditions. The results further suggest that the influence of the machine's mechanism on muscular performance has to be known when prescribing resistance exercises.     

Agreement between the force platform method and the combined method measurements of power output during the loaded countermovement jump

There are two perceived criterion methods for measuring power output during the loaded countermovement jump (CMJ): the force platform method and the combined method (force platform + optoelectronic motion capture system). Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to assess agreement between the force platform method and the combined method measurements of peak power and mean power output during the CMJ across a spectrum of loads. Forty resistance-trained team sport athletes performed maximal effort CMJ with additional loads of 0 (body mass only), 25, 50, 75 and 100% of body mass (BM). Bias was present for peak velocity, mean velocity, peak power and mean power at all loads investigated, and present for mean force up to 75% of BM. Peak velocity, mean velocity, peak power and mean power 95% ratio limits of agreement were clinically unacceptable at all loads investigated. The 95% ratio limits of agreement were widest at 0% of BM and decreased linearly as load increased. Therefore, the force platform method and the combined method cannot be used interchangeably for measuring power output during the loaded CMJ. As such, if power output is to be meaningfully investigated, a standardised method must be adopted.     

Relationships among peak power output,peak bar velocity,and mechanomyographic amplitude during the free-weight bench press exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude, power output, and bar velocity during the free-weight bench press exercise. Twenty-one resistance-trained men [one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press = 125.4 ± 18.4 kg] performed bench press muscle actions as explosively as possible from 10% to 90% of the 1-RM while peak power output and peak bar velocity were assessed with a TENDO Weightlifting Analyzer. During each muscle action, surface MMG signals were detected from the right and left pectoralis major and triceps brachii, and the concentric portion of the range of motion was selected for analysis. Results indicated that power output increased from 10% to 50% 1-RM, followed by decreases from 50% to 90% 1-RM, but MMG amplitude for each of the muscles increased from 10 to 80%1-RM. The results of this study indicate that during the free-weight bench press exercise, MMG amplitude was not related to power output, but was inversely related to bar velocity and directly related to the external load being lifted. In future research, coaches and sport scientists may be able to estimate force/torque production from individual muscles during multi-joint, dynamic constant external resistance muscle actions.     

Determinants of countermovement jump performance: a kinetic and kinematic analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the contributions of kinetic and kinematic parameters to inter-individual variation in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Two-dimensional kinematic data and ground reaction forces during a CMJ were recorded for 18 males of varying jumping experience. Ten kinetic and eight kinematic parameters were determined for each performance, describing peak lower-limb joint torques and powers, concentric knee extension rate of torque development and CMJ technique. Participants also completed a series of isometric knee extensions to measure the rate of torque development and peak torque. CMJ height ranged from 0.38 to 0.73 m (mean 0.55 ± 0.09 m). CMJ peak knee power, peak ankle power and take-off shoulder angle explained 74% of this observed variation. CMJ kinematic (58%) and CMJ kinetic (57%) parameters explained a much larger proportion of the jump height variation than the isometric parameters (18%), suggesting that coachable technique factors and the joint kinetics during the jump are important determinants of CMJ performance. Technique, specifically greater ankle plantar-flexion and shoulder flexion at take-off (together explaining 58% of the CMJ height variation), likely influences the extent to which maximal muscle capabilities can be utilised during the jump.     

A regression model to determine load for maximum power output

The aims of this study were to create a regression model of the relationship between load and muscle power output and to determine an optimal load for maximum power output during a countermovement squat and a bench press. 55 males and 48 females performed power testing at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 100% of their individual one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the countermovement squat and bench press exercises. Values for the maximum dynamic strength and load for each lift were used to develop a regression model in which the ratio of power was predicted from the ratio of the load for each type of lift. By optimizing the regression model, we predicted the optimal load for maximum muscle power. For the bench press and the countermovement squat, the mean optimal loads for maximum muscle output ranged from 50 to 70% of maximum dynamic strength. Optimal load in the acceleration phase of the upward movement of the two exercises appeared to be more important than over the full range of the movement. This model allows for specific determination of the optimal load for a pre-determined power output.     

Reliability and Validity of Finger Strength and Endurance Measurements in Rock Climbing

Purpose: An advanced system for the assessment of climbing-specific performance was developed and used to: (a) investigate the effect of arm fixation (AF) on construct validity evidence and reliability of climbing-specific finger-strength measurement; (b) assess reliability of finger-strength and endurance measurements; and (c) evaluate the relationship between finger flexor all-out test scores and climbing ability. Methods: To determine the effect of AF, 22 male climbers performed 2 maximal strength and all-out tests with AF (shoulder and elbow flexed at 90°) and without AF (shoulder flexed at 180° and elbow fully extended). To determine reliability, 9 male climbers completed 2 maximal strength tests with and without AF and an all-out and intermittent test without AF. Results: The maximal strength test without AF more strongly determined climbing ability than the test with AF (r² = .48 and r² = .42 for sport climbing; r² = .66 and r² = .42 for bouldering, respectively). Force and time variables were highly reliable; the rate of force development and fatigue index had moderate and low reliability. The maximal strength test with AF provided slightly higher reliability than without AF (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.94, ICC = 0.88, respectively). However, smaller maximal forces were achieved during AF (484 ± 112 N) than without AF (546 ± 132 N). All-out test average force had sufficiently high reliability (ICC = 0.92) and a relationship to sport climbing (r² = .42) and bouldering ability (r² = .58). Conclusion: Finger strength and endurance measurements provided sufficient construct validity evidence and high reliability for time and force parameters. Arm fixation provides more reliable results; however, the position without AF is recommended as it is more related to climbing ability.     

A comparison of muscle activity and 1-RM strength of three chest-press exercises with different stability requirements

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and muscle activity in three chest-press exercises with different stability requirements (Smith machine, barbell, and dumbbells). Twelve healthy, resistance-trained males (age 22.7 ± 1.7 years, body mass 78.6 ± 7.6 kg, stature 1.80 ± 0.06 m) were tested for 1-RM of the three chest-press exercises in counterbalanced order with 3–5 days of rest between the exercises. One-repetition maximum and electromyographic activity of the pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps, and triceps brachii were recorded in the exercises. The dumbbell load was 14% less than that for the Smith machine (P ≤ 0.001, effect size [ES] = 1.05) and 17% less than that for the barbell (P ≤ 0.001, ES = 1.11). The barbell load was ～3% higher than that for the Smith machine (P = 0.016, ES = 0.18). Electrical activity in the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid did not differ during the lifts. Electrical activity in the biceps brachii increased with stability requirements (i.e. Smith machine <barbell <dumbbells; P ≤ 0.005; ES = 0.57, 1.46, and 2.00, respectively), while triceps brachii activity was reduced using dumbbells versus barbell (P = 0.007, ES = 0.73) and dumbbells versus Smith machine (P = 0.003, ES = 0.62). In conclusion, high stability requirements in the chest press (dumbbells) result in similar (pectoralis major and anterior deltoid), lower (triceps brachii) or higher (biceps brachii) muscle activity. These findings have implications for athletic training and rehabilitation.     

Vertical Ground Reaction Force During a Water-Based Exercise Performed by Elderly Women: Equipment Use Effects

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the vertical ground reaction force responses during the performance of the stationary running water-based exercise with and without equipment at different cadences by elderly women. Method: Nineteen elderly women (age: 68.6 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 69.0 ± 9.5 kg; height: 154.9 ± 5.6 cm) completed one session consisting of the performance of the water-based stationary running with elbow flexion and extension immersed to the xiphoid process depth. The exercise was performed in three conditions, without equipment, with water-floating and with water-resistance equipment, at three cadences (80 b·min^?1, 100 b·min^?1 and maximal) in a randomized order. Peak and impulse of vertical ground reaction force were collected during the exercise using an underwater force plate. Repeated measures two-way ANOVA was used (α = 0.05). Results: Peak vertical ground reaction force (p < .001) and impulse (p ≤ 0.002) resulted in lower values for the water-floating use (0.42–0.48 BW and 0.07–0.13 N.s/BW) in comparison to the water-resistance equipment use (0.46–0.60 BW and 0.09–0.16 N.s/BW) and to the non-use of equipment (0.45–0.60 BW and 0.07–0.17 N.s/BW), except for the impulse at the maximal cadence. In addition, peak vertical ground reaction force at 80 b·min^?1 (p = .002) and impulse at the maximal cadence (p < .001) showed lower values compared to the other cadences. Conclusion: The use of water-floating equipment minimizes the vertical ground reaction force during the stationary running water-based exercise performed by elderly women regardless of the cadence.