Transient overshoot (TO), which is assessed as the distance between the mov
ement amplitude and the final position, was measured in a series of rapid,
discrete elbow flexion movements performed under different distance and loa
ding conditions by 7 participants. A positive relationship was found betwee
n kinematic variables (peak velocity, peak acceleration and deceleration, a
nd the symmetry ratio) and the magnitude of TO, particularly in short movem
ents performed against a light load The relationships between TO and electr
omyographic (EMG) variables were low and mainly insignificant. Thus, TO con
tributes to the variability of rapid, discrete movements and therefore shou
ld be taken into account as an additional parameter in studies of the scali
ng of movement variables with movement mechanical conditions. TO could also
represent a consequence of mechanical properties of the single-joint syste
m rather than an independently programmed primary submovement.