The Definition and Assessment of Muscular Power

Considerable confusion still exists in the sports medicine literature concerning the measurement of muscular power and what it represents. Measures of muscular performance cannot be conveniently categorized as "strength " or ''power" on the basis of the contractile velocity employed in the performance task. Given the proper physical definitions and formulations involved in muscular power measurement, it is concluded that although strength (force output) and power (work/time) are quantitatively related, they remain separate physical parameters that can be measured in all dynamic muscular contractions, whether fast or slow. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;5(1):7-9.