Concentric Peak Torque Research Articles

The effects of injury prevention warm-up programmes on knee strength in male soccer players.

The study investigates the effects of the 11+ and HarmoKnee injury prevention programmes on knee strength in male soccer players. Under-21-year-old players (n=36) were divided equally into: the 11+, HarmoKnee and control groups. The programmes were performed for 24 sessions (20-25 min each). The hamstrings and quadriceps strength were measured bilaterally at 60°·s-1, 180°·s-1 and 300°·s-1. The concentric quadriceps peak torque (PT) of the 11+ increased by 27.7% at 300°·s-1 in the dominant leg (p<0.05). The concentric quadriceps PT of HarmoKnee increased by 36.6%, 36.2% and 28% in the dominant leg, and by 31.3%, 31.7% and 20.05% at 60°·s-1, 180°·s-1 and 300°·s-1 in the non-dominant leg respectively. In the 11+ group the concentric hamstring PT increased by 22%, 21.4% and 22.1% at 60°·s-1, 180°·s-1 and 300°·s-1, respectively in the dominant leg, and by 22.3%, and 15.7% at 60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1, in the non-dominant leg. In the HarmoKnee group the hamstrings in the dominant leg showed an increase in PT by 32.5%, 31.3% and 14.3% at 60°·s-1, 180°·s-1 and 300°·s-1, and in the non-dominant leg hamstrings PT increased by 21.1% and 19.3% at 60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1 respectively. The concentric hamstrings strength was significantly different between the 11+ and control groups in the dominant (p=0.01) and non-dominant legs (p=0.02). The HarmoKnee programme enhanced the concentric strength of quadriceps. The 11+ and HarmoKnee programmes are useful warm-up protocols for improving concentric hamstring strength in young professional male soccer players. The 11+ programme is more advantageous for its greater concentric hamstring strength improvement compared to the HarmoKnee programme.

Performance Enhancement Effects of Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s “The 11+” Injury Prevention Training Program in Youth Futsal Players

To evaluate if Fédération Internationale de Football Association's "The 11+" injury prevention program improves physical fitness and technical performance in youth futsal players. Randomized cohort study. Futsal club. Thirty-six futsal players (17.3 ± 0.7 years). Players were randomized to an intervention group (n = 18) or a control group (n = 18). Intervention group performed "The 11+" twice per week for 12 weeks. Isokinetic testing to access maximal quadriceps (Q) and hamstring (H) strength, vertical jump (squat jump, SJ; countermovement jump, CMJ), 5-m and 30-m sprint, agility, slalom, and balance performances were also measured. Intervention group increased (P < 0.05) quadriceps concentric (14.7%-27.3%) and hamstrings concentric (9.3%-13.3%) and eccentric (12.7%) peak torque. Intervention group improved functional H:Q ratio by 1.8% to 8.5% (P < 0.05). Intervention group improved (P < 0.05) SJ (13.8%) and CMJ (9.9%) and 5-m and 30-m sprint (8.9% and 3.3%, respectively), agility (4.7%), and slalom (4.8%) performances. Intervention group also improved balance, by decreasing the number of falls by 30% in the nondominant limb. No changes were observed in control group. The results suggest that 'The 11+' can be used as an effective conditioning means for improving physical fitness and technical performance of youth futsal players.

Stair descending exercise increases muscle strength in elderly males with chronic heart failure

BackgroundPrevious studies from our group have shown that "pure" eccentric exercise performed on an isokinetic dynamometer can induce health-promoting effects that may improve quality of life. In order to investigate whether the benefits of "pure" eccentric exercise can be transferred to daily activities, a new and friendlier way to perform eccentric exercise had to be invented. To this end, we have proceeded to the design and construction of an automatic escalator, offering both stair descending (eccentric-biased) and stair ascending (concentric-biased) exercise.FindingsTwelve elderly males (60-70 yr) with chronic heart failure participated in the present study. Participants carried out six weeks of stair descending or ascending training on the novel SmartEscalator device. Muscle damage and performance indices were evaluated before and at day 2 post exercise at the first and sixth week of training. Both training regimes increased, albeit not significantly in some cases, eccentric, concentric and isometric torque. After six weeks of stair descending exercise, eccentric, concentric and isometric peak torque increased 12.3%, 7.7% and 8.8%, respectively, whereas after stair ascending exercise eccentric, concentric and isometric peak torque increased 7.1%, 9.6% and 5.9%, respectively.ConclusionsStair descending exercise appears to be a pleasant and mild activity that can be easily followed by the elderly. Compared to the more demanding stair ascending exercise, changes in muscle strength are similar or even greater. Elderly or people with impaired endurance wishing to increase their muscle strength may be benefited by participating in activities with strong eccentric component, such as stair descending.

Effect of single bout versus repeated bouts of stretching on muscle recovery following eccentric exercise

To analyze the effects of a single bout and repeated bouts of stretching on indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage. A randomized controlled clinical trial at a university human research laboratory was conducted. Fifty-six untrained males were randomly divided into four groups. (I) a single stretching group underwent a single bout of stretching on the quadriceps muscle; (II) an eccentric exercised group underwent eccentric quadriceps muscle contractions until exhaustion; (III) an eccentric exercise group followed by a single bout of stretching; (IV) an eccentric exercised group submitted to repeated bouts of stretching performed immediately and 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. Muscle stiffness, muscle soreness, maximal concentric peak torque, and plasma creatine kinase activity were assessed before exercise and 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-exercise. All exercised groups showed significant reduction in maximal concentric peak torque and significant increases in muscle soreness, muscle stiffness, and plasma creatine kinase. There were no differences between these groups in all assessed variables, with the exception of markers of muscle stiffness, which were significantly lower in the eccentric exercise group followed by single or repeated bouts. The single stretching group showed no change in any assessed variables during the measurement period. Muscle stretching performed after exercise, either as single bout or as repeated bouts, does not influence the levels of the main markers of exercise-induced muscle damage; however, repeated bouts of stretching performed during the days following exercise may have favorable effects on muscle stiffness.

Influence of Body Position on Concentric Peak Torque of Hip Abductor and Adductor Muscles

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if peak torques generated by the hip abductor and adductor muscles are dependent on test position in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty healthy right-handed volunteers participated in this study their average age was 26.5 ± 5.6 years, their average weight was 71.94 ± 11.91 kg, and their average height was 172.42 ± 6.60 m. Isokinetic peak concentric hip abductor and adductor muscles torques (Nm) generated in side-lying and standing positions at angular velocities 30 and 90°/s were measured. Results: The concentric peak torque of abductor and adductor muscles measured from standing position were generally higher than side-lying position (p 0.05). However, at angular velocity 90°/s, the torque values of hip abductors was significantly higher than torque values of hip adductors in both positions ( p<0.05). Conclusion: Isokinetic hip abductors and adductors strength measured in standing are higher than that measured from side-lying. These findings may have implications for rehabilitation and injuries prevention of hip abductors and adductors.

The correlation between isokinetic strength of knee extensors and vertical jump performance in adolescent soccer players in an annual training cycle

Background: Isokinetic testing is often used to provide coaches with important information about the physical status of athletes. Therefore, a number of studies focused on the assessment of the relationship between isokinetic and functional tests including soccer. The results of a limited number of studies indicate that the relationship changes in different training periods. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the characteristics of the isokinetic strength of knee extensors and vertical jump performance in three different periods of the annual training cycle in adolescent soccer players. Methods: A group of adolescent soccer players (n = 16; average age 16.7 ± 0.7 years) was tested at the end of the competitive season, at the beginning of the off-season and during the sixth week of a new competitive season. The isokinetic concentric peak torque (PT), peak power (Pmax) and time to peak torque (TPT) of the dominant leg and non-dominant leg were measured at angular velocities of 60°*s-1, 180°*s-1, 360°*s-1. The explosive strength of the lower extremities was measured using the countermovement jump with free arms (CMJF) method and countermovement jump with the arms crossed over the chest. Based on literary reviews, a logically significant value of the correlation was set at > 0.30. Results: The correlations between the isokinetic strength characteristics and vertical jump performance irrespective of the training period were low to moderate; 56% of the correlations were > 0.30. In the different periods of the annual training cycle, the occurrence of correlations > 0.30 as well as their value varied - 67% at the end of the competitive season, 31% at the beginning of the off-season and 64% at the beginning of the competitive season. For both types of jumps, the correlations for Pmax and PT parameters were the lowest during the second measurement in most cases; no trend was observed for the TPT parameter. For CMJF the highest correlation values were observed during the third measurement for the Pmax parameter in the dominant leg at 180°*s-1 and 360°*s-1; for CMJ during the first measurement for the Pmax and PT parameters at 180°*s-1 in the dominant leg. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that the significance of the information obtained by measuring the strength of isokinetic extension of the knee joint to assess the jumping ability in soccer players can change during the annual training cycle and that, from this perspective, measurement at 180°*s-1 or at higher velocities should be preferred.

Physioacoustic therapy: placebo effect on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage

We evaluated claims that physioacoustic therapy can enhance muscle healing following damaging exercise. Untrained subjects were randomly assigned to control (C), placebo (P) or treatment (T) groups. All groups performed 70 eccentric triceps contractions followed by; no treatment (C), sham physioacoustic treatment (P), or actual physioacoustic therapy (T) on days 1–4 post-exercise. Muscle soreness and isometric and concentric triceps peak torque were determined pre-exerciseand on days 1–4 and 7 post-exercise. The T group received physioacoustic therapy for 30 min/day on the treatment days. The P group believed they received physioacoustic therapy, although the chairs were turned off. Peak torques were depressed (P < 0.05) on days 1–3 in all groups and returned to pre-exercise values by days 4–7 in both P and T groups. C group peak torques remained depressed (P < 0.05) through day 7. Soreness was elevated (P < 0.05) in all groups on days 1–2 post-exercise. P and T groups reported no soreness by day 3 while the C group remained sore (P < 0.05) through days 3–4. The T group recovered soreness and force faster than C but at a similar rate to the P group. The effectiveness of physioacoustic therapy in enhancing post-exercise muscle healing may be attributable to a placebo effect.

Functional and Morphological Adaptations to Aging in Knee Extensor Muscles of Physically Active Men

It is not known if a physically active lifestyle, without systematic training, is sufficient to combat age-related muscle and strength loss. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate if the maintenance of a physically active lifestyle prevents muscle impairments due to aging. To address this issue, we evaluated 33 healthy men with similar physical activity levels (IPAQ = 2) across a large range of ages. Functional (torque-angle and torque-velocity relations) and morphological (vastus lateralis muscle architecture) properties of the knee extensor muscles were assessed and compared between three age groups: young adults (30 ± 6 y), middle-aged subjects (50 ± 7 y) and elderly subjects (69 ± 5 y). Isometric peak torques were significantly lower (30% to 36%) in elderly group subjects compared with the young adults. Concentric peak torques were significantly lower in the middle aged (18% to 32%) and elderly group (40% to 53%) compared with the young adults. Vastus lateralis thickness and fascicles lengths were significantly smaller in the elderly group subjects (15.8 ± 3.9 mm; 99.1 ± 25.8 mm) compared with the young adults (19.8 ± 3.6 mm; 152.1 ± 42.0 mm). These findings suggest that a physically active lifestyle, without systematic training, is not sufficient to avoid loss of strength and muscle mass with aging.

Validity of isokinetic trunk measurements with respect to healthy adults, athletes and low back pain patients

Background: Isokinetic measurements are widely used to assess strength capacity in a clinical or research context. Nevertheless, the validity of isokinetic measures for identifying strength deficits and the evaluation of therapeutic process regard- ing different pathologies is yet to be established. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to evaluate the validity of isokinetic measures in a specific case: that of muscular capacity in low back pain (LBP). Methods: A literature search (PubMed; ISI Web of Knowledge; The Cochrane Library) covering the last 10 years was performed. Relevant papers regarding isokinetic trunk strength measures in healthy and patients with low back pain (PLBP) were searched. Peak torque values (Nm) and peak torque normalized to body weight (Nm/kg BW) were extracted for healthy and PLBP. Ranked mean values across studies were calculated for the concentric peak torque at 60 ◦ /s as well as the flexion/extension (F/E) ratio. Results: 34 publications (31 flexion/extension; 3 rotation) were suitable for reporting detailed isokinetic strength measures in healthy or LBP (untrained adults, adolescents, athletes). Adolescents and athletes were different compared to normal adults in terms of absolute trunk strength values and the F/E ratio. Furthermore, isokinetic measures evaluating therapeutic process and isokinetic rehabilitation training were infrequent in literature (8 studies). Conclusion: Isokinetic measurements are valid for measuring trunk flexion/extension strength and F/E ratio in athletes, adoles- cents and (untrained) adults with/without LBP. The validity of trunk rotation is questionable due to a very small number of pub- lications whereas no reliable source regarding lateral flexion could be traced. Therefore, isokinetic dynamometry may be utilized for identifying trunk strength deficits in healthy adults and PLBP.

Plantar-flexor static stretch training effect on eccentric and concentric peak torque – a comparative study of trained versus untrained subjects

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of static stretching of the plantar-flexor muscles on eccentric and concentric torque and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy subjects. Seventy five healthy male volunteers, with no previous history of trauma to the calf that required surgery, absence of knee flexion contracture and no history of neurologic dysfunction or disease, systemic disease affecting the lower extremities were selected for this study. The participants were divided into three equal groups. The control group did not stretch the plantar-flexor muscles. Two Experimental groups (trained and untrained) were instructed to perform static stretching exercise of 30 second duration and 5 repetitions twice daily. The stretching sessions were carried out 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured in all subjects. Also measured was the eccentric and concentric torque of plantar-flexors at angular velocities of 30 and 120°/s pre and post stretching. Analysis of variance showed a significant increase in plantar-flexor eccentric and concentric torque (p < 0.05) of trained and untrained groups, and an increase in dorsiflexion range of motion (p < 0.05) at both angular velocities for the untrained group only. The static stretching program of plantar-flexors was effective in increasing the concentric and eccentric plantarflexion torque at angular velocities of 30 and 120°/s. Increases in plantar-flexors flexibility were observed in untrained subjects.

Concentrically trained cyclists are not more susceptible to eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage than are stretch–shortening exercise-trained runners

Here, we test the hypothesis that continuous concentric exercise training renders skeletal muscles more susceptible to damage in response to eccentric exercise. Elite road cyclists (CYC; n = 10, training experience 8.1 ± 2.0 years, age 22.9 ± 3.7 years), long-distance runners (LDR; n = 10, 9.9 ± 2.3 years, 24.4 ± 2.5 years), and healthy untrained (UT) men (n = 10; 22.4 ± 1.7 years) performed 100 submaximal eccentric contractions at constant angular velocity of 60° s(-1). Concentric isokinetic peak torque, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and electrically induced knee extension torque were measured at baseline and immediately and 48 h after an eccentric exercise bout. Muscle soreness was assessed and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity was measured at baseline and 48 h after exercise. Voluntary and electrically stimulated knee extension torque reduction were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in UT than in LDR and CYC. Immediately and 48 h after exercise, MVC decreased by 32 % and 20 % in UT, 20 % and 5 % in LDR, and 25 % and 6 % in CYC. Electrically induced 20 Hz torque decreased at the same times by 61 and 29 % in UT, 40 and 17 % in LDR, and 26 and 14 % in CYC. Muscle soreness and plasma CK activity 48 h after exercise did not differ significantly between athletes and UT subjects. In conclusion, even though elite endurance athletes are more resistant to eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage than are UT people, stretch-shortening exercise-trained LDR have no advantage over concentrically trained CYC.

Influence of Kinesio Taping applied over biceps brachii on isokinetic elbow peak torque. A placebo controlled study in a population of young healthy subjects

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) applied over the biceps brachii on maximal isokinetic elbow torque. DesignThis study followed a single-blinded, placebo controlled, repeated measures design. MethodsIsokinetic eccentric and concentric elbow peak torques were evaluated without taping (NT), with KT or placebo taping (PT) in 20 healthy participants. Furthermore, all the participants were required to perform a proprioceptive task of elbow joint position sense (JPS) in the same experimental conditions. ResultsA significant effect of taping condition was found for concentric elbow peak torque (p=0.01). Post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant concentric elbow peak torque improvement between NT and KT (p<0.05) but not between NT and PT. As regards eccentric elbow peak torque, we found a significant effect of taping condition (p<0.0001). Significant eccentric elbow peak torque differences were observed between NT and PT (p<0.01) and between KT and PT (p<0.001), while the increase observed from NT to KT conditions failed to reach significance at a post hoc analysis. ConclusionsWhen applied over the biceps brachii, KT increases concentric elbow peak torque in a population of healthy participants, if compared with a PT.

Knee Joint Strength Ratios and Effects of Hip Position in Rugby Players

Measures of knee joint function, although useful in predicting injury, can be misleading because hip position in traditional seated isokinetic tests is dissimilar to when injuries occur. This study aimed to determine the differences between seated and supine peak torques and strength ratios and examine the interaction of position with joint velocity. This was a cross-sectional, repeated measures study. Isokinetic knee extensor and flexor concentric and eccentric peak torque was measured seated and supine (10° hip flexion) at 1.04 and 3.14 rad·s(-1) in 11 Rugby players. Repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests were used to analyze peak torques and strength ratios. Bonferroni post hoc, limits of agreement, and Pearson's correlation were applied. Seated peak torque was typically greater than that for supine for muscle actions and velocities. The values ranged from 109 ± 18 N·m (mean ± σ) for supine hamstring concentric peak torque at 1.04 rad·s(-1) to 330 ± 71 for seated quadriceps eccentric peak torque at 1.04 rad·s(-1). There was a significant position × muscle action interaction; eccentric peak torque was reduced more than concentric in the supine position. Knee joint strength ratios ranged from 0.47 ± 0.06 to 0.86 ± 0.23, with a significant difference in means between supine and seated positions for functional ratio at 3.14 rad·s(-1) observed; for seated it was 0.86 ± 0.23; and for supine, it was 0.68 ± 0.15 (p < 0.05). Limits of agreement for traditional and functional ratios ranged from 1.09 ×/÷ 1.37 to 1.13 ×/÷ 1.51. We conclude that hip angle affects isokinetic peak torques and knee joint strength ratios. Therefore, the hip angle should be nearer 10° when measuring knee joint function because this is more ecologically valid. Using similar protocols, sports practitioners can screen for injury and affect training to minimize injury.

Influence of Contraction Type, Speed, and Joint Angle on Ankle Muscle Weakness in Parkinson's Disease: Implications for Rehabilitation

Pang MY, Mak MK. Influence of contraction type, speed, and joint angle on ankle muscle weakness in Parkinson's disease: implications for rehabilitation. ObjectiveTo compare the ankle muscle strength and torque-angle relationship between individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and participants without impairments. DesignCross-sectional, exploratory study. SettingMotor control laboratory in a university. ParticipantsConvenience sample of community-dwelling individuals with PD (n=59) recruited from a PD self-help group and age-matched participants without impairments (n=37) recruited from community older adult centers. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasurePeak torque and angle-torque profile during concentric and eccentric contraction of ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors at 2 different angular speeds (45 and 90°/s). ResultsThe PD group displayed lower muscle peak torque values than participants without impairments in all test conditions. Generally, concentric strength was more compromised, with a greater between-group difference (Cohen d=1.29–1.60) than eccentric strength (Cohen d=.81–1.37). Significant group by angular speed interaction was observed in ankle plantarflexion concentric peak torque (P<.001), indicating that muscle weakness was more pronounced when the angular speed was increased. The group by joint angle interaction in concentric contraction of ankle plantarflexors at 90°/s was also significant (P<.001), revealing that the between-group difference in torque values became increasingly more pronounced when the joint was moving toward the end range of the ankle plantarflexion. This exaggerated ankle plantarflexor muscle weakness at the end range was significantly correlated with clinical balance measures (P<.05). ConclusionsMuscle weakness in PD is influenced by contraction type, angular speed, and joint range. Exaggerated weakness is found in concentric contraction of ankle plantarflexors, particularly when the angular speed is high and the muscle is in shortened lengths.

H:Q Ratios and Bilateral Leg Strength in College Field and Court Sports Players

One of the key components in sports injury prevention is the identification of imbalances in leg muscle strength. However, different leg muscle characteristics may occur in large playing area (field) sports and small playing area (court) sports, which should be considered in regular injury prevention assessment. This study examined the isokinetic hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio and bilateral leg strength balance in 40 male college (age: 23.4 ± 2.5 yrs) team sport players (field sport = 23, soccer players; court sport = 17, volleyball and basketball players). Five repetitions of maximal knee concentric flexion and concentric extension were performed on an isokinetic dynamometer at two speeds (slow: 60°·s−1 and fast: 300°·s−1) with 3 minutes rest between tests. Both legs were measured in counterbalanced order with the dominant leg being determined as the leg used to kick a ball. The highest concentric peak torque values (Nm) of the hamstrings and quadriceps of each leg were analyzed after body mass normalization (Nm·kg−1). Court sport players showed significantly weaker dominant leg hamstrings muscles at both contraction speeds (P < 0.05). The H:Q ratio was significantly larger in field players in their dominant leg at 60°·s−1 (P < 0.001), and their non-dominant leg at 300°·s−1 (P < 0.001) respectively. Sport-specific leg muscle strength was evident in college players from field and court sports. These results suggest the need for different muscle strength training and rehabilitation protocols for college players according to the musculature requirements in their respective sports.

Two maximal isometric contractions attenuate the magnitude of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage

This study investigated whether maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC-ISO) would attenuate the magnitude of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Young untrained men were placed into one of the two experimental groups or one control group (n = 13 per group). Subjects in the experimental groups performed either two or 10 MVC-ISO of the elbow flexors at a long muscle length (20° flexion) 2 days prior to 30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Subjects in the control group performed the eccentric contractions without MVC-ISO. No significant changes in maximal voluntary concentric contraction peak torque, peak torque angle, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity and myoglobin concentration, muscle soreness, and ultrasound echo intensity were evident after MVC-ISO. Changes in the variables following eccentric contractions were smaller (P < 0.05) for the 2 MVC-ISO group (e.g., peak torque loss at 5 days after exercise, 23% ± 3%; peak CK activity, 1964 ± 452 IU·L(-1); peak muscle soreness, 46 ± 4 mm) or the 10 MVC-ISO group (13% ± 3%, 877 ± 198 IU·L(-1), 30 ± 4 mm) compared with the control (34% ± 4%, 6192 ± 1747 IU·L(-1), 66 ± 5 mm). The 10 MVC-ISO group showed smaller (P < 0.05) changes in all variables following eccentric contractions compared with the 2 MVC-ISO group. Therefore, two MVC-ISO conferred potent protective effects against muscle damage, whereas greater protective effect was induced by 10 MVC-ISO, which can be used as a strategy to minimize muscle damage.

A Dynamic Warm-up Model Increases Quadriceps Strength and Hamstring Flexibility

Research suggests that static stretching can negatively influence muscle strength and power and may result in decreased functional performance. The dynamic warm-up (DWU) is a common alternative to static stretching before physical activity, but there is limited research investigating the effects of a DWU. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of a DWU and static stretching warm-up (SWU) on muscle flexibility, strength, and vertical jump using a randomized controlled trial design. Forty-five volunteers were randomly assigned into a control (CON), SWU, or DWU group. All participants rode a stationary bicycle for 5 minutes and completed a 10-minute warm-up protocol. During this protocol, the DWU group performed dynamic stretching and running, the SWU group performed static stretching, and the CON group rested. Dependent variables were measured immediately before and after the warm-up protocol. A digital inclinometer measured flexibility (degrees) for the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hip flexor muscles. An isokinetic dynamometer measured concentric and eccentric peak torque (N·m/kg) for the hamstrings and quadriceps. A force plate was used to measure vertical jump height (meters) and power (watts). In the DWU group, there was a significant increase in hamstring flexibility (pretest: 26.4 ± 13.5°, posttest: 16.9 ± 9.4°; p < .0001) and eccentric quadriceps peak torque (pretest: 2.49 ± 0.83 N·m/kg, posttest: 2.78 ± 0.69 N·m/kg; p = 0.04). The CON and SWU did not significantly affect any flexibility, strength, or vertical jump measures (p > 0.05). The DWU significantly improved eccentric quadriceps strength and hamstrings flexibility, whereas the SWU did not facilitate any positive or negative changes in muscle flexibility, strength, power, or vertical jump. Therefore, the DWU may be a better preactivity warm-up choice than an SWU.

Reliability and Validity of DPA-1 Testing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

There is a lack of equipment and methods for the reliable and valid measurements of human neuromuscular control. To overcome this limitation, an analyzer of dynamic parameters (DPA-1) of human hand and leg movements was constructed by Kaunas University of Technology and "Katra" engineers in collaboration with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education. The aim of the study was to determine the reliability and validity of the tests performed on the DPA-1 in healthy and injured subjects after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The men who had undergone a unilateral ACL reconstruction (n=17, on the average 3.8 months [SD, 2.1] after the surgery) and healthy untrained men (n=17) performed the research protocol twice within 24 hours in between. Average reaction time, mean and maximal movement speed, time to reach maximal speed, and movement distance of the right and left feet for the patients and of the dominant foot for the healthy subjects using the DPA-1 as well as the scores of isokinetic muscle strength and self-assessment tests were registered. RESULTS. There was a significantly reduced concentric peak torque on the injured knee compared with the uninjured knee during knee extension, and the mean score of the Lysholm scale for the injured knee was 69.1 (SD, 13.7) (P<0.05, compared between legs). The test-retest reliability for all the DPA-1 tests varied from 0.68 to 0.94 (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in most variables measured by the DPA-1 between injured knee, uninjured knee, and control knee. CONCLUSIONS. The results revealed low validity of the DPA-1 tests for the evaluation of patients following ACL surgery, despite the reliability of these tests varied from moderate to very high.

Functional mobility of older adults after concentric and eccentric endurance exercise

Age-associated decline in muscle mass and strength impairs functional mobility in older adults. We examined the effects of an eccentric endurance exercise programme (downhill treadmill walking, DTW) at a self-selected walking speed (SSWS) on functional mobility and eccentric and concentric strength of m. quadriceps femoris of older adults. Twenty-four older adults (67±4years) were randomly assigned to complete 3×30min treadmill walks per week for 12weeks on a level (n=11, LTW 0%) or downhill (n=13, DTW -10%) treadmill gradient at SSWS. SSWS was re-adjusted every 4weeks. Participants were assessed for five repetition sit-to-stand (5-RSTS), maximal walking speed (MWS), timed up-and-go (TUG) and dynamic strength. SSWS was similar for both groups with increases from 1.18±0.11 to 1.53±0.09ms(-1) (LTW) and 1.26±0.16 to 1.61±0.12ms(-1) (DTW) (time, P<0.01). Improvements in 5-RSTS, MWS and TUG were substantial and similar for both groups (time, P<0.01). 5-RSTS (baseline LTW: 8.50±1.19s, DTW: 8.54±1.52s) improved by 32 and 34%. MWS (baseline LTW: 2.39±0.38ms(-1), DTW: 2.40±0.33ms(-1)) improved by 22 and 23%. TUG (baseline LTW: 5.58±0.51s, DTW: 5.46±0.89s) improved by 22% for both groups. Peak eccentric and concentric torque did not change. Knee angle of concentric peak torque (180°s(-1)) was decreased after 12weeks in both groups (LTW: 37°±16° to 26°±14°, DTW: 42°±18° to 37°±16°, P<0.05). Regular level and downhill treadmill walking by older adults, at a SSWS, results in substantial improvements in functional mobility. Changes in functional mobility were not explained by changes in dynamic strength of the m. quadriceps femoris.

Concentric hip muscle function and quadriceps-hamstring ratio in athletes with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a commonly seen condition in athletes. Several potential contributing factors have been postulated. Although hip muscle strength has been suggested to play a major role, concentric hip muscle function in athletes with PFPS has not been formally investigated. Objectives: We aimed to compare the concentric hip muscle strength in athletes with PFPS with that of controls, and to derive a concentric knee extension-to-flexion (quadriceps: hamstring) ratio Subjects and Methods: University athletes with PFPS (n=25) and asymptomatic controls (n = 25) were studied. Concentric torque of the hip abductors, adductors, flexors and extensors along with concentric knee extensors and flexors torque were assessed. Participants rated their knee pain in the week before the study on a visual analog scale and a self-administered anterior knee pain scale (AKPS). Strength testing was performed at 60°/s. Results: Participants with PFPS exhibited much lower concentric hip abduction, adduction, flexion and extension peak torque compared to controls. The concentric hip abduction to adduction and extension to flexion ratios showed no difference. Quadriceps:hamstring ratio was higher for PFPS participants. Conclusion: We propose that concentric hip muscle strength is significantly affected in PFPS. Clinicians are urged to include concentric strengthening exercises for the hip along with quadriceps and hamstring muscles during the rehabilitation of athletes with PFPS.