Force-velocity characteristics of lower extremity muscles in male high-altitude climbers

Abstract

IntroductionThe study aimed to assess the force-velocity parameters of knee muscles in male high-altitude climbers and to compare the obtained results with the control group.MethodsOverall, 31 male subjects participated in the tests. The study group comprised 12 world-renowned Polish high-altitude climbers. The control group consisted of 19 professional soldiers on active duty. The groups did not differ significantly in the average age, body weight, or height. The force-velocity parameters of knee muscles were assessed under isokinetic conditions. The velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s were used.ResultsThe values of peak torque, total work, average power, and the agonist/antagonist ratio were higher and the acceleration and deceleration times were shorter in the study group in comparison with the control group. In particular, the differences in the parameters describing the knee flexors of both limbs proved to be statistically significant. The <i>p</i>-value of the <i>t</i>-test for the dominant limb knee flexors at the velocity of 60°/s was 0.0134 for peak torque, 0.0198 for total work, and 0.0019 for mean power. At the velocity of 180°/s, the <i>p</i> values equalled 0.0001, < 0.0001, and 0.0002, respectively. The effect size of each test was greater than 0.92.ConclusionsSignificant differences in force-velocity parameters of knee muscles were observed between the group of high-mountain climbers and the control group. The increase in the agonist/antagonist ratio and the decrease in the acceleration and deceleration times recorded in the group of high-altitude climbers are indicative of a change in the postural and dynamic mechanisms.