Isokinetic and Isometric Assessment of the Knee Joint Extensors and Flexors of Professional Volleyball Players

Piotr Wilkosz, Jaroslaw Kabacinski, Krzysztof Mackala, Michal Murawa, John Ostarello, Agata Rzepnicka, Lukasz Szczesny, Anna Fryzowicz, Jacek Maczynski and Lechoslaw B. Dworak
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Piotr Wilkosz: Department of Physiotherapy, Stanislaw Staszic University of Applied Science in Pila, ul. Podchorazych 10, 64-920 Pila, Poland
Jaroslaw Kabacinski: Department of Biomechanics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, 61-871 Poznan, Poland
Krzysztof Mackala: Department of Track and Field, University School of Physical Education, ul. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
Michal Murawa: Department of Biomechanics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, 61-871 Poznan, Poland
John Ostarello: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Hayward, CA 94542, USA
Agata Rzepnicka: Public Medical Center ‘Doktor Krasicki’ in Gdynia, ul. Zakręt od Oksywia 3, 81-244 Gdynia, Poland
Lukasz Szczesny: VeloLAB Physiotherapy Biomechanics Lukasz Szczesny, ul. Starodworska 3, 80-137 Gdansk, Poland
Anna Fryzowicz: Department of Biomechanics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, 61-871 Poznan, Poland
Jacek Maczynski: Department of Biomechanics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, 61-871 Poznan, Poland
Lechoslaw B. Dworak: Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University, ul. Nowy Świat 4, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-10

Abstract: Purpose: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the level of muscle strength by using isokinetic and isometric measurements—more specifically, the force ratio between the knee flexors and extensors (values of the torques). Methods: An experimental group of elite volleyball players (n = 14) were compared to a control group (n = 14) of healthy non-athletes of comparable ages. Torque measurements were obtained under three concentric conditions (angular velocities of 60 °/s, 180 °/s, and 300 °/s) and one static condition by utilizing the Biodex System 3. Results: In all trials, the volleyball players achieved significantly higher peak torque (PT) values for both the extensors and flexors ( p < 0.05) than those of the control group. However, the strength ratio of the flexors and extensors (H/Q) in the experimental group was only 83% of the standard reported in the literature. The most developed and dominating muscles in the knee joints of the volleyball players were the extensors, which accounted for the low strength ratio and dynamic instability of this joint. Conclusion: Based on a proper assessment of the strength ratio of the knee flexors and extensors, properly selected and implemented resistance training can improve the maximum strength and power production and reduce the incidence of injuries in volleyball.

Keywords: muscle torque; isokinetics; statics; biomechanics; knee joint; volleyball (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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