Abstract
The purpose of this survey was to assess the reliability of the short pulse contraction (KPK) test for the evaluation of neuromuscular characteristics, as well as to define the possibility of generalization of the variables obtained from short pulse contractions [maximal force (MS), rate of force development (BRS) and rate of force reduction (BSS)] to different muscle groups. The survey covered the sample of 48 students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, 12 in the fi rst and 36 in the second experiment. KPK were carried out for the intensities of 30%, 50% and 70% of the Fmax. The survey was carried out through the two experiments. In the first experiment the task was to determine the degree of connection between the MS, BRS and BSS results obtained from KPK with maximal force (Fmax) and maximal rate of force development (BRSmax) obtained from standard force tests. Also, the task was to determine the degree of reliability of the results from the first measurement and those of the measurement after two days and after six weeks. The obtained results showed high reliability of the majority of variables within the measurement, as well as with the measurements after two days and after six weeks from the first measurement. Remarkably high coefficients of intra-correlation were obtained within one testing (ICC > 0.90) as well as within the measurements carried out on different days (0.80 – 0.92). The characteristics of BRS and BSS functions in relation to the MS, calculated according to the data obtained from the KPK, show the linear character of the function which goes through the points that describe the relation between the generated force and the BRS and BSS. The obtained results show high reliability and a reasonable degree of generalization in relation to different muscle groups. Considering that the generalization of the new test was not adequately shown, the results suggest further evaluation and KPK test development.