Maximal explosive power and aerobic exercise in humans

The maximal explosive power (ẇ(max)), i.e. the mechanical power developed over short bursts (< 5 s) of all-out cycling, or uphill running, in humans attains 12-17 W*kg-1 in non-athletic subjects. Thus, in terms of O2 consumption ẇ(max) is about four times larger than the subjects' V̇(O2)(max). The peak instantaneous power during a vertical jump off both feet (ẇ) in non-athletic subjects is about 50-55 W kg-1 and attains 70-75 W*kg-1 in 'power' athletes. Both ẇ(max) and ẇ decrease when the all-out effort is performed from a priming aerobic exercise: if the intensity of this last approaches V̇(O2)(max), then ẇ(max) and ẇ are reduced to about 75% the value attained from rest. Thus, in the course of high intensity efforts, an athlete can develop a still remarkable fraction of his maximal absolute power. The decrease mentioned above is proportional, and presumably causally related, to the decrease of the high energy phosphate concentration occurring in the muscle at the onset of the exercise, and maintained throughout the effort duration.