ABSTRACT
The outcome of strength and power training and subsequent adaptations are influenced by a variety of factors. Critical time periods in sport deal with the ability to produce the highest possible forces at the appropriate time during a specified movement. This time period occurs when force production is most likely to result in maximising performance. It can be argued that there is a critical time period for every athletic movement, and that the vast majority of sports have time restrictions of force development. Rate of Force Development (RFD) is the change in force per change in time. The RFD is associated with critical time periods and is associated with the concept of ‘explosive strength’. Power can be calculated as an average over a range of motion, or as an instantaneous value occurring at a particular time point. Muscle growth depends upon the interaction of anabolic and catabolic factors.
