This investigation determined the vastus lateralis mus cle fiber composition, as well as leg power and strength, in a group of 10 world class divers. Male divers had a low mean percentage of Type I fibers (36%), which was consistent with the functional demands of their sport, whereas females had a mean value of 61 %. The ratio of Type I/Type II cross-sectional fiber area was 0.95 in females and 0.82 in males. Angle-specific torque-veloc ity relationships, derived from Cybex testing of the knee extensors, revealed high torque values in males but not in females. The observed male-female differences have no clear explanation, unless muscle fiber composition has greater importance in the more difficult dives exe cuted by men.
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