lihasjõule

Lihasjõule is an Estonian term used primarily in fitness, sports science and physiotherapy to refer to muscular power—the ability of muscles to generate force rapidly. The word is formed from lihas, meaning muscle, and jõud, meaning strength or power, with a suffix that marks direction or scope in Estonian. In practice, lihasjõule appears in discussions of performance, training goals and rehabilitation when the focus is on how quickly and forcefully muscles can work.

In biomechanics, muscular power differs from maximal strength. Power combines the amount of force with the speed of movement, and is often considered as work done per unit of time (for example, watts). Assessments of lihasjõule can include jump tests, sprint tasks and, in clinical settings, measured rate of force development. These measures help distinguish between pure strength, which emphasizes force, and power, which emphasizes speed of contraction and neuromuscular efficiency.

Training to improve lihasjõule typically includes resistance training with progressive overload, plyometrics, Olympic lifting variations and fast, high-intensity movements. Programs aim to enhance both force production and contraction velocity while maintaining movement quality and safety. In rehabilitation or daily-function contexts, interventions prioritize functional tasks, gradual progression and individualized loading to restore or enhance power without excessive strain.

See also: lihasjõud, jõutreening, plyomeetriline trening, jõudluse arendamine.