ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Public Health
Sec. Public Health Education and Promotion
Volume 13 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1579291
This article is part of the Research TopicSports, Nutrition, and Public Health: Analyzing their Interconnected ImpactsView all 12 articles
An Investigation of the load-velocity Relationship Between Flywheel Eccentric and Barbell Training Methods
Provisionally accepted
- 1Graduate School, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
- 2Graduate School, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, Guangzhou, China
- 3Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Objective：Flywheel resistance training (FRT) is a training modality for developing lower limb athletic performance. The relationship between FRT load parameters and barbell squat loading remains ambiguous in practice, resulting in experience-driven load selection during training. Therefore, this study investigates optimal FRT loading for specific training goals (maximal strength, power, muscular endurance) by analyzing concentric velocity at varying barbell 1RM percentages (%1RM), establishes correlations between flywheel load, velocity, and %1RM, and integrates force-velocity profiling to develop evidence-based guidelines for individualized load prescription. Methods：Thirty-nine participants completed 1RM barbell squats to establish submaximal loads (20-90%1RM). Concentric velocities were monitored via linear-position transducer (Gymaware) for FRT inertial load quantification, with test-retest measurements confirming protocol reliability. Simple and multiple linear regression modeled load-velocity interactions and multivariable relationships, while Pearson's r and R² quantified correlations and model fit. Predictive equations estimated inertial loads (kg•m²), supported by ICC(2,1) and CV assessments of relative/absolute reliability. Results：A strong inverse correlation (r=-0.88) and high linearity (R²=0.78) emerged between rotational inertia and velocity. The multivariate model demonstrated excellent fit (R²=0.81) and robust correlation (r=0.90), yielding the predictive equation: y=0.769-0.846v+0.002kg.Conclusions：The strong linear inertial load-velocity relationship enables individualized load prescription through regression equations incorporating velocity and strength parameters. While FRT demonstrates limited efficacy for developing speed-strength, its longitudinal periodization effects require further investigation. Optimal FRT loading ranges were identified: 40-60%1RM for strength-speed, 60-80%1RM for power development, and 80-100%+1RM for maximal strength adaptations.
Keywords: flywheel resistance training, load monitoring, Sports performance, Digital training, velocity-based training
Received: 19 Feb 2025; Accepted: 22 Apr 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Zhu, Chen, He, Zhang, Lin and Li. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Duanying Li, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, 510500, Guangdong Province, China
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