Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Force-Velocity Test (F-V Profile): Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 9, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/force-velocity-test-fv-profile/
Measures: Force-velocity profile, theoretical maximal force (F0), theoretical maximal velocity (V0)
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Hard | Category: Anaerobic
Protocol
The Force-Velocity (F-V) Profile Test, developed by Jean-Benoit Morin and Pierre Samozino, maps an athlete’s neuromuscular capacity on the force-velocity plane. In the field version, multiple weighted and unweighted sprint measurements are used.
Preparation: A flat 40–60m surface, GPS, or radar gun is required for the test. Alternatively, squat jump variations on a force platform can be used. The participant warms up comprehensively for 15–20 minutes.
Protocol: The participant performs maximal sprints under different conditions:
1. Body weight sprint (unloaded)
2. Sprints with additional weight (loaded vest, sled towing, etc.) at 3–5 different loads
Mean acceleration and power are calculated for each condition. In the sled-towing protocol, weights are set at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% of body weight.
Data Recording: Mean velocity, force, and power values are recorded for each sprint. The F-V line is drawn by linear regression of these points at different loads.
Calculation:
– F0 (theoretical maximum force, x-intercept) = axis where maximum force production occurs
– V0 (theoretical maximum velocity, y-intercept) = maximum velocity capacity
– Pmax = F0 × V0 / 4 (maximum power)
– FV imbalance = identifies the deficient component in profile analysis
Post-Test: The F-V profile is drawn and the athlete’s strong/weak component is identified. A force- or velocity-focused training program is recommended accordingly.
Formula
Pmax = F0 × V0 / 4; FV imbalance = (actual slope - optimal slope) / optimal slope × 100
Equipment Required
force platform or sprint timing gates, GPS tracker or radar gun
Normative Values (Age: Elite sprinters)
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Pmax >30 W/kg; FV imbalance <10% | Pmax >25 W/kg |
| Good | Pmax 24-30 W/kg | Pmax 19-25 W/kg |
| Average | Pmax 18-24 W/kg | Pmax 13-19 W/kg |
| Below Average | Pmax 12-18 W/kg | Pmax 8-13 W/kg |
| Poor | Pmax <12 W/kg | Pmax <8 W/kg |
Practical Applications
F-V profile analysis determines which component, force or velocity, is limiting sprint performance and forms the basis for individualized power training design.
Limitations
Requires a reliable radar gun or loaded sled system. Profile calculation requires software; manual calculation is difficult.
Related Tests: 40m Sprint Test, Wingate Anaerobic Test (30-sec), Margaria-Kalamen Stair Sprint Test
Sources: Morin JB & Samozino P, 2016, Int J Sports Physiol Perform; Samozino P et al., 2012, Med Sci Sports Exerc
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Force-Velocity (F-V) Profile Test, developed by Jean-Benoit Morin and Pierre Samozino, maps an athlete's neuromuscular capacity on the force-velocity plane. In the field version, multiple weighted and unweighted sprint measurements are used. Preparation: A flat 40–60m surface, GPS, or radar gun is required for the test. Alternatively, squat jump variations on a force platform can be used. The participant warms up comprehensively for 15–20 minutes. Protocol: The participant performs maximal sprints under different conditions: 1. Body weight sprint (unloaded) 2. Sprints with additional weight (loaded vest, sled towing, etc.) at 3–5 different loads Mean acceleration and power are calculated for each condition. In the sled-towing protocol, weights are set at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% of body weight. Data Recording: Mean velocity, force, and power values are recorded for each sprint. The F-V line is drawn by linear regression of these points at different loads. Calculation: - F0 (theoretical maximum force, x-intercept) = axis where maximum force production occurs - V0 (theoretical maximum velocity, y-intercept) = maximum velocity capacity - Pmax = F0 × V0 / 4 (maximum power) - FV imbalance = identifies the deficient component in profile analysis Post-Test: The F-V profile is drawn and the athlete's strong/weak component is identified. A force- or velocity-focused training program is recommended accordingly. Formula
Pmax = F0 × V0 / 4; FV imbalance = (actual slope - optimal slope) / optimal slope × 100
Equipment Required
force platform or sprint timing gates, GPS tracker or radar gun
