MEDICAL AREA   

Medicina dello Sport 2015 December;68(4):639-50

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Lower limb torque asymmetry in judo competitors evaluated in isokinetic conditions

Struzik A. ¹, Pietraszewski B. ²

¹ Department of Team Sport Games, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland; ² Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland

AIM: Evaluation of strength abilities among judo competitors necessitates measurement of muscle torques and power. Specialized laboratory measurements offer possibilities for detection of considerable muscular asymmetry which might result in injuries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the variables of the lower limbs measured in isokinetic conditions. The main focus was on levels of peak torques, peak power and the bilateral torque asymmetry between lower limbs and between agonist and antagonist muscle groups in the knee joint. Are judo competitors characterized by asymmetries of torques that exceed the safe standards? It seems particularly interesting whether the value of hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio changes with angular velocity.
METHODS: The measurements were carried out on a group of 12 judo athletes and in the control group of bodybuilders. Peak power and peak torques in knee extensors and flexors were measured using BIODEX 4 PRO System (a measuring device for assessing the level of muscle torque in isokinetic conditions). Measurements were carried out for three different angular velocities: 1 rad/s, 2.1 rad/s and 3.1 rad/s for each limb separately.
RESULTS: A statistically significant increase was found in mean hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratios in both groups studied between angular velocities 1 rad/s and 2.1 rad/s as well as between 2.1 rad/s and 3.1 rad/s.
CONCLUSION: The group of bodybuilders obtained statistically higher values of peak torques in knee extensors and flexors and peak power compared to the judokas studied. A tendency for higher bilateral limb asymmetry with the increase in angular velocity in group of judo competitors seems to be particularly dangerous. It was observed in both groups studied that the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio rose statistically significantly with the increase in angular velocity.