Comparison of movement velocity and force-velocity parameters using a free video analysis software and a linear position transducer during unilateral and bilateral ballistic leg press

Study aim: This study compared movement velocity and force-velocity profile parameters measured by a free video analysis software program, with the use of a high-speed video recording, and a validated linear position transducer (LPT).

Material and methods: Ten team-sports athletes performed double-leg and single-leg ballistic lower limb extensions on a leg press machine against a wide range of resistive loads. Each repetition was recorded by the LPT a high-speed camera (300 fps), and later analysed with a free video analysis software program.

Results: Mean and peak movement velocity presented high reliability (ICC: 0.990 and 0.988, p < 0.001) and agreement between the two measuring systems (systematic bias: –0.06 ± 0.04 and –0.01 ± 0.03 m/s, respectively). Force-velocity profile parameters were also similar: maximum velocity at zero load (Vo: 1.79 ± 0.15 vs. 1.78 ± 0.12 m/s, p = 0.64), slope (b: –1585 ± 503 vs. –1562 ± 438 N · s/m, p = 0.43), maximum force at zero velocity (Fo: 2835 ± 937 vs. 2749 ± 694 N, p = 0.41) and maximum power (1274 ± 451 vs 1214 ± 285 W, p = 0.38). Both measuring systems could similarly detect the individual force or velocity deficit (p=0.91).

Conclusion: In conclusion, a free video analysis software combined with a high-speed camera was shown to be a reliable, accurate, low bias and cost-effective method in velocity-based testing.