Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP): Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 3, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/isometric-mid-thigh-pull-imtp/
Measures: Maximal isometric force, rate of force development (RFD)
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Strength
Protocol
The Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP) is an isometric strength test involving pulling a fixed bar with maximum force on a force platform. It is the gold standard measure of integrated upper-lower body force and RFD.
Preparation: Force platform is calibrated. Bar is set at a fixed height in a power rack; it should align with the person’s mid-thigh position. The participant warms up for 10 minutes. 2–3 warm-up sets of sub-maximal pulling practice are performed.
Test Procedure: The participant stands on the force platform bent over the bar, similar to a deadlift starting position. The bar is fixed; it does not move. The participant pulls the bar with maximum force for 3–5 seconds. Test starts with the command ‘Ready, PULL!’. Motivation is provided throughout.
Trials: 2–3 valid trials with 3–5 minutes of rest between. Highest value is used.
Data Recording: Force platform records force-time curve at millisecond precision. Peak force (N), RFD (N/s), and impulse (N.s) values are calculated.
Calculation: Peak Force (PF) = maximum force value. Relative Peak Force = PF / BW. RFD = ΔF / Δt (at specific time windows: 0–200ms, 0–100ms, etc.).
Post-Test: Back, hip, and hamstring stretching. Results reported normalized to body weight.
Formula
Relative PF = PF_N / (BW_kg × 9.81), in multiples of body weight; RFD (N/s) = ΔF / Δt over a stated time window
Equipment Required
force platform, power cage, barbell (fixed)
Normative Values (Age: 18-35 (elite athletes))
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Relative PF >3.5 × BW | Relative PF >2.8 × BW |
| Good | Relative PF 2.8-3.5 × BW | Relative PF 2.2-2.8 × BW |
| Average | Relative PF 2.0-2.8 × BW | Relative PF 1.6-2.2 × BW |
| Below Average | Relative PF 1.4-2.0 × BW | Relative PF 1.0-1.6 × BW |
| Poor | Relative PF <1.4 × BW | Relative PF <1.0 × BW |
Practical Applications
IMTP is the most reliable strength protocol used in Olympic weightlifting, strength sports, and high-performance athletes for monitoring training adaptation and determining injury risk.
Limitations
Force platform cost is high. Technical position standardization is critical and requires experience.
Related Tests: Isometric Squat Force Test, Rate of Force Development, 1RM Deadlift
Sources: Haff GG et al., 2015, Int J Sports Physiol Perform; Stone MH et al., 2003, J Strength Cond Res
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 Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP) is an isometric strength test involving pulling a fixed bar with maximum force on a force platform. It is the gold standard measure of integrated upper-lower body force and RFD. Preparation: Force platform is calibrated. Bar is set at a fixed height in a power rack; it should align with the person's mid-thigh position. The participant warms up for 10 minutes. 2–3 warm-up sets of sub-maximal pulling practice are performed. Test Procedure: The participant stands on the force platform bent over the bar, similar to a deadlift starting position. The bar is fixed; it does not move. The participant pulls the bar with maximum force for 3–5 seconds. Test starts with the command 'Ready, PULL!'. Motivation is provided throughout. Trials: 2–3 valid trials with 3–5 minutes of rest between. Highest value is used. Data Recording: Force platform records force-time curve at millisecond precision. Peak force (N), RFD (N/s), and impulse (N.s) values are calculated. Calculation: Peak Force (PF) = maximum force value. Relative Peak Force = PF / BW. RFD = ΔF / Δt (at specific time windows: 0–200ms, 0–100ms, etc.). Post-Test: Back, hip, and hamstring stretching. Results reported normalized to body weight. Formula
Relative PF = PF_N / (BW_kg × 9.81), in multiples of body weight; RFD (N/s) = ΔF / Δt over a stated time window
Equipment Required
force platform, power cage, barbell (fixed)
