Fiber type, strength endurance and event choice

Here is a hypothetical question for you. :slight_smile:

Runner 1: 195 BW 6 feet tall

squat 315 for single, 225 for 15 reps
35 inch vert jump
3.10 standing long jump

Runner 2: 195 BW 6 feet tall
Squat 405 for single, 325 for 3 reps
35 inch vert
3.10 SLJ

Would runner 1 be more suited for a longer sprint? Say a 200 or a 400 due to their strength endurance capacity? Both are fairly explosive but one has a max strength advantage while the other has a strength endurance advantage.

Thoughts :slight_smile:

Chris

Are they built the same, from a biomechanical standpoint? I wouldn’t think so to judge by the variances, but its your model :wink:

Personally, I’m not a big fan of fiber “types” as being a predominant factor in anyone’s training. Certainly there are those that will have leanings towards particular sports due to inborn skill, but I’m also of the opinion that anyone who trains properly and with enough drive can overcome those natural “faults.”

Just speaking from the neuromuscular side of things, there’s really very little point in classifying muscle fibers beyond the general ST and FT classifications. Trying to delve into the various forms of MHC-I and MHC-II is all but pointless, as it seems the vast majority of fibers co-express MHC isoforms and will alter this expression based on how they are trained. Metabolic character is no gauge either, as it is dependent upon function as well; glycolytic, oxidative and hybrid fibers can be found expressing multiple isoforms of MHC. Now it even appears that, to some degree, the actual ST and FT motor neurons can change function. In short, form is following function-- so there’s no reason to restrict someone to any particular type of training due to those factors.

I don’t know as much about sprinting as I do about strength training and exercise physiology in general, but it would seem to me that since both individuals are showing similar RFD and explosive strength output in the specific skills that, assuming certain other parameters are similar (anaerobic work capacity, etc), they would both have similar times.

Great analysis! Very interesting!

I was wondering if one of the athletes would have a natural advantage when it comes to speed end and lactic tolerance due to their squat rep differences. :slight_smile:
Thanks again,

Chris