Neuromuscular Performance Impairment: Exploring the Power–Force–Velocity Recovery Profiles in Local and Nonlocal Muscles

Meira, Â, Ferreira Tramontin, A, Ribeiro, G, Santos de Oliveira Cruz, R, Alves de Aguiar, R, Klitzke Borszcz, F, and Caputo, F. Neuromuscular performance impairment: Exploring the power-force-velocity recovery profiles in local and nonlocal muscles. J Strength Cond Res 40(1): e9-e16, 2026-This study examined the effects of neuromuscular impairment on the time course of changes in the force-velocity-power profile in local (i.e., lower limb, assessed through back squat [SQ]) and nonlocal (i.e., upper limb, assessed through bench press [BP]) muscle groups following a repetitive lengthening protocol (RLP). Sixteen physically active men (age: 23 ± 3 years; 1 maximum repetition SQ relative to body mass: 1.5 ± 0.4 kg·kg -1 ) performed an RLP involving 5 sets of maximal 25 drop jumps designed to induce neuromuscular disruption. Back squat and BP exercises were used to assess neuromuscular performance changes in local and nonlocal muscles, respectively, by means of maximal theoretical force (F 0 ), velocity (V 0 ), and power output (Pmax) at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-RLP. Delayed onset muscle soreness was measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Significant reductions in F 0 and Pmax were observed in both exercises, with greater impairments in the SQ ( p ≤ 0.0001). V 0 was reduced in the SQ and remained unchanged in the BP, SQ change differed significantly from BP ( p = 0.008). F 0 remained suppressed across all time points ( p < 0.001), Pmax exhibited progressive reductions, peaking at 72 hours ( p = 0.001). Delayed onset muscle soreness peaked at 48 hours and resolved by 72 hours. These findings demonstrate that RLP impairs neuromuscular performance beyond the directly affected muscles, with persistent force deficits and task-specific reductions in velocity and power. This underscores the importance of monitoring both local and nonlocal muscles recovery kinetics when designing training and rehabilitation protocols.