What it measures
Peak force (PF), force at 50/100/200 ms (rate of force development, RFD), and isometric strength capacity. Low-fatigue alternative to 1RM testing; safe to repeat weekly or even daily.
Equipment
- Force plate (fundamental — IMTP is impossible without one)
- Immovable barbell rig with the bar set at mid-thigh height (just above the patella)
- Lifting straps to secure the grip during the maximal pull
Protocol
- Athlete stands on the force plate with bar gripped at mid-thigh height. Hip angle ≈ 145°, knee angle ≈ 145° (the standardized 'second pull' position).
- Athlete is cued to pull as hard and as fast as possible against the immovable bar for 3–5 seconds. Coach calls 'pull!' to start the trial.
- Force plate records peak force and the full force-time curve.
- 2–3 trials with 1–2 minutes rest. Best of 3 for peak force; report rate-of-force-development at 50/100/200 ms if you want the early force production picture.
Scoring
Peak force in newtons (N) or relative to bodyweight (N/kg). DSI (CMJ peak force ÷ IMTP peak force) is often computed from the same testing block.
Typical ranges
Elite male field sport peak force: 3500–4500 N (relative ≈ 40–55 N/kg). NCAA women's soccer: 2200–2900 N.
References
- Comfort P, Dos'Santos T, Beckham GK, et al. (2019). Standardization and methodological considerations for the isometric mid-thigh pull. Strength Cond J.
Use this test in Performance House
Performance House supports Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP) as a built-in test metric — log results from any device, see longitudinal trends, and contribute the result to the athlete's Performance Index automatically. Free for up to 5 athletes on the Starter plan.
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