The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes in rate for development (RFD) during the early, late, and whole phases, and to determine whether early RFD is exhibited in response to the improvement of explosive force production in training throughout the competitive season. Fifteen male jumpers participated in personal training according to the training cycle (Semi-annual two-cycle periodization model) of their team. The early, late and average RFD along with peak force during isometric single-leg press with a knee angle of 115° were measured. The measurement was performed during the pre-season (January or March) and post-season (September or November). Based on comparison between the two measurements, it was found that 10 participants displayed improved performance in the major jump event. The average RFD increased significantly for all participants (p = 0.02, d = 0.67). Participants who achieved their personal best had seen a significant increase in early RFD (p = 0.03, d = 0.84). In the contrast, late RFD (all participants; p = 0.06, d = 0.54, participants who achieved personal best; p = 0.07, d = 0.65) and peak force (all participants; p = 0.31, d = 0.27, participants who achieved personal best; p = 0.15, d = 0.50) did not show significant changes. These results suggested that changes in early, late, and average RFD varied respectively. Moreover, early RFD was found to be the best indicator that reflects improved jumping performance through explosive force production compared to late RFD, average RFD, and peak force.

Movement control and muscle function for pelvic movement in the frontal plane (pelvic elevation) are important for various single-leg sports activities. We aimed to clarify mechanical characteristics of pelvic squat (P-Sq: single-leg squat exercise with emphasis on pelvic elevation, developed by our research group) compared with the double-leg squat (D-Sq) and single-leg squat (S-Sq). Twelve male track and field athletes performed D-Sq, S-Sq, and P-Sq exercises at various loads (90%, 75%, and 60% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]), using maximum effort. Kinematic and kinetic data were calculated using data recorded with a motion capture system and force platforms. We observed the highest values with P-Sq, followed by S-Sq and D-Sq under all load conditions as follows: peak vertical ground reaction force and rate of force development (RFD), range of pelvic elevation, peak pelvic elevation velocity, peak powers associated with hip abduction torque and trunk lateral flexion torque. In P-Sq, RFD at 90% 1RM was smaller than under the other load conditions, whereas peak vertical ground reaction force at 90% 1RM was larger than under the other load conditions. There were no differences among load conditions with regard to hip abduction and trunk lateral flexion torques and powers. Therefore, characteristics of P-Sq compared to those of D-Sq and S-Sq are 1) larger and faster pelvic elevation, using related muscles (hip abductors and trunk lateral flexors) under all load conditions, 2) larger peak ground reaction force with pelvic elevation under large load conditions, and larger RFD in pelvic elevation under low load conditions.