Nguyen, D., Uribe, B., Nishimura, K., Brown, L. E., Coburn, J. W., & Judelson, D. A. (2008). Gender effects on dynamic RVD and static RFD. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis, Presentation Number, 1611.

"Recent research on rate of velocity development (RVD) suggests that high velocity exercise should be performed concurrently with strength training. However, the need for proper exercise prescription by gender has not been established."

This study examined differences between rate of velocity development and rate of force development between genders. College students (N = 40) attended two sessions with 48 hours of rest between the sessions. In the first session, Ss performed three maximum isometric pulls (1 minute rest between pulls) inside a power rack while standing on a force plate. In the second session, Ss performed three maximum high-pulls with 30% of their maximum isometric pulls with one minute of rest between repetitions. Ss also performed three maximum countermovement vertical jumps with arm swing on the force plate with 15 seconds rest between each repetition.

The four variables measured were high pull peak velocity, maximum high pull rate of velocity development, maximum isometric force, and maximum rate of force development. There was a significant difference between genders for both maximum isometric force and high pull peak velocity, but there were no differences for rate of velocity development and rate of force development.

Implication. Maximum strength and velocity differences between genders can be explained by gender inequity in muscle size.

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