Assessing and Evaluating Force Production

Dr. Paul Comfort joins Mike Robertson's The Physical Preparation Podcast on Episode 185.

Dr. Comfort is a Professor of Strength and Conditioning and program leader for the Master of Science Strength and Conditioning program at the University of Salford. He is also an adjunct professor at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.

Paul has applied experience across a range of sports and consults with numerous professional and semi-professional sports teams, which he has undertaken throughout his academic career.

Last but not least, Paul is a founding member of the UKSCA, is on the NSCA Board of Directors, and is a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, an associate editor for the European Journal of Sport Science and Sports Biomechanics.

So needless to say, I think he knows a thing or two about the topic at hand!

Episode Topics

• The major differences between standard, repetition maximum (RM) testing and isometric testing.
• What isometric testing can give you that RM testing cannot.
• Best practices for the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test.
• The biggest issues Dr. Paul sees with this test, and his “non-negotiables” for set-up and performance.
• Do you need separate tests to tease out the differences between peak force and rate of force development (RFD)?
• How do get valid and reliable data from your RFD testing, as well as what time measurements Dr. Paul looks at the most.
• The differences between an IMTP and isometric squat test, and why you might choose one over the other.
• Don’t have the funds to invest in force plates? Here’s what you might consider instead.
• A really fun lightning round where we discuss pet peeves in research, Dr. Comfort’s favorite research to date, and his thoughts on micro-dosing strength training in sports.

🔗 EPISODE 185: Dr. Paul Comfort - Assessing and Evaluating Force Production 

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