Introduction The strength of lower limbs is one of the important factors required for the take-off technique of 10 meters platform diving. This research investigates the relationship of muscle activation of the lower limbs and the movements of elite divers following the prescription of strengthening exercises. Methods The research subjects were four, 10 meters elite platform divers preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games. Participants` hip, knee and ankle joints` strength was examined at 600/s (showing the maximal strength level) and 2400/s (showing speed-strength level) by MERAC testing system, relative moment peak value, minus the effect of body weight on muscle strength was measured. Results / Discussion The testing of 600/s, showed stronger power profiles for the hip and knee joints. The total relative moment peak value of the left side was 8.47N*m/Kg and the right side was 7.86N*m/Kg for the three joints. In the testing condition at 2400/s, the left side was 6.04N*m/Kg and the right side was 5.54N*m/Kg; It is seen that the strength of the left side is a little higher than the right. The relative moment peak value decreased as the test speed increased. The moment peak value of the hip joint was not equal, the left from 3.81 to 3.23 and the right from 3.33 to 3.21. The knee joint displayed a similar trend, with the left from 3.14 to 1.86 and the right from 3.17 to 1.96. Generally, in the testing condition 600/s, the degree of extension about the three joints (hip, knee and ankle) were 45%, 40% and 20%. In the testing at 2400/s, the degree of extension about the three joints were 50%, 35% and 15%. In the testing condition at 600/s, the hip joint was similar to the knee joint. But in the testing of 2400/s, the hip joint rose to 50% and the knee joint dropped to 35%. Conclusions In the movement chain of the lower limb, the proportion of the strength of the muscles attenuated less when the speed increased. When arranging strength exercises, we should develop the speed of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. The function of the knee and ankle joints can be optimised when diving athletes are taking off correctly
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