Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC)

Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC): A standard measure of muscle strength that is commonly used for research. Maximum strength is defined as the highest voluntary force that can be achieved (maximum participant effort). To aid in standardization and reliability MVCs are most often determined on a machine (e.g. leg extension) during an isometric contraction, known as a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). However, MVCs can also be tested during concentric contractions, eccentric contractions, with isokinetic machines, and during free weight exercise. Often MVC tests will be paired with simultaneous electromyography analysis (EMG).

• Generally, research results will compare MVC before and after an intervention, or compare a pre-intervention MVC to the percentage of that MVC recorded during the intervention.