Recovery of Force-Time Characteristics Following Australian Rules Football Matches: Examining the Utility of the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull

Purpose:This study assessed the utility of force-time characteristics from the Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) as a measure of neuromuscular function (NF) following elite level Australian Rules Football (ARF) matches. It was hypothesized that rate characteristics of force development would demonstrate a different response magnitude and recovery time-course compared to peak force measurements.Methods:Force-time characteristics of the IMTP (peak force, 0-50ms rate of force development [RFD], 100-200ms RFD) were collected at 48 h (G+2), 72 h (G+3) and 96 h (G+4) following three competitive ARF matches.Results:Meaningful reductions (>75% of the smallest worthwhile change) were observed at G+2, G+3 & G+4 for RFD 0-50ms (-25.8, -17.5 & -16.9%), and at G+2 & G+3 for RFD 100-200ms (-15.7 & -11.7%). No meaningful reductions were observed for peak force at any time point (G+2: -4.0; G+3: -3.9; G+4: -2.7%). Higher week-to-week variation was observed for RFD 0-50ms (G+2: 17.1; G+3: 27.2; G+4: 19.3%) versus both RFD 1...