Data acquisition
The vertical Force–time signals (Fz) applied on the table during HVLA manipulations were obtained for each trial, and relevant SM biomechanical parameters for each trial were analyzed. The following parameters were used for subsequent analyses (i) Preload force (N): the amount of force applied prior to the thrust, (ii) Peak force (N): the maximal force applied during the thrust, (iii) time to peak force (ms): the time needed to reach peak force, iv) Rate of force application (N/s): the ratio between peak force and time to peak force.Using the target force and the peak force applied, the following variables were also computed: (i) Constant Error (CE): the positive or negative difference between the peak force reached and the peak force targeted; (ii) Absolute Error (AE): the absolute deviation from the targeted force, regardless of direction; and (iii) Variable Error (VE): the participants’ consistency, which was defined as the absolute value obtained by subtracting the peak force reached during each trial from the participant’s mean peak force.