Sex-Related and Age-Related Differences in Knee Strength of Basketball Players Ages 11-17 Years

OBJECTIVE: To assess hamstrings and quadriceps strength of basketball players ages 11-13 and 15-17 years. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study occurred during the 2000 American Youth Basketball Tour National Tournament. We investigated whether sex- or age-related strength differences existed among study participants. SUBJECTS: Forty-one tournament participants (22 girls, 19 boys; 11-13 or 15-17 years old) who reported no history of knee sprain or surgery were recruited. MEASUREMENTS: We used a Cybex II dynamometer to obtain isokinetic concentric peak torques relative to body mass (Nm/kg) at 60 degrees /s for hamstrings and quadriceps bilaterally. From average peak torques, we determined ipsilateral hamstrings:quadriceps and homologous muscle-group ratios. RESULTS: Correlations between hamstrings and quadriceps strength measures ranged from 0.78 to 0.97. Players 15-17 years old had greater relative hamstrings and quadriceps strength than 11- to 13-year-old athletes. Age and sex interacted significantly for quadriceps strength. The quadriceps strength of 15- to 17-year-old girls did not differ from that of 11- to 13-year-old girls, whereas 15- to 17-year-old boys had stronger quadriceps than 11- to 13-year-old boys. Boys 15-17 years old had greater quadriceps strength than girls 15-17 years old. CONCLUSIONS: This study is unique in providing normative data for the hamstrings and quadriceps strength of basketball players 11-13 and 15-17 years old. Age-related strength differences did not occur consistently between the sexes, as girls 11-13 and 15-17 years old had similar relative quadriceps strength.     

髌腱末端病运动员膝关节屈伸峰力矩和表面肌电图的特征☆

背景：髌腱末端病是腱止点部位的微细损伤,股四头肌群中的股内侧肌与股外侧肌之间的力量平衡发生变化,可直接导致髌骨产生异常运动从而对腱止点部位产生影响。 目的：分析髌腱末端病发生机制和髌腱末端病对膝关节及其周围肌肉活动产生的影响。 方法：选择10名患有髌骨肌腱病的男运动员及10名运动项目、身高和年龄匹配的正常男运动员,采用瑞士CON-TREX等速肌力测试与训练系统,分别进行膝关节力量和表面肌电图的测试,比较与分析膝关节屈肌力矩、伸肌力矩和股四头肌表面肌电图的变化。 结果与结论：发现在等长运动时,末端病组的伸肌伸肌峰力矩明显小于对照组、峰值转矩比比值明显大于对照组;在等速运动时,末端病组的伸肌伸肌峰力矩明显小于对照组,并随着运动角速度增加而变化显著,而峰值转矩比比值均不同程高于对照组;末端病组的股内侧肌/股外侧肌的整合肌电图比值在等长运动和等速运动时,均明显低于对照组。提示髌腱末端病运动员膝关节屈肌与伸肌的力量差距较为突出,存在股内侧肌活动低下和股内侧肌与股外侧肌之间不平衡的现象。     

Isokinetic Hamstrings:Quadriceps Ratios in Intercollegiate Athletes

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in the concentric hamstrings:quadriceps (H:Q) ratio among athletes in different sports at 3 velocities. DESIGN AND SETTING: We measured the H:Q ratio of both knees using the Biodex Pro Isokinetic Device. SUBJECTS: Eighty-one male and female collegiate athletes. MEASUREMENTS: We performed analyses for sport, velocity, and side of body for each sex. To compare the means of the concentric H:Q ratios for mean peak torque and mean total work, a 2 x 3 x 4 mixed-factorial analysis of variance was computed for women and a 2 x 2 x 3 mixed-factorial analysis of variance was computed for men. RESULTS: We observed no significant interactions for men and women for the concentric H:Q ratio for mean peak torque. There was a significant mean difference among velocity conditions and a significant difference for men with respect to velocity. No significant differences were found for side of body or sport. CONCLUSIONS: The H:Q ratio increased as velocity increased. No differences existed for the H:Q ratio for sport or side of body.     

Quadriceps muscle function characteristics in severely obese and nonobese adolescents

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare quadriceps muscle strength and fatigue between severely obese (body mass index 34 kg/m²) and nonobese adolescents. Maximal isokinetic torque and angle of peak torque as well as isometric torque at short (40° of knee flexion) and long (80° of knee flexion) muscle length were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle fatigue was quantified as the percent torque loss during an isokinetic voluntary protocol and an electrical stimulation isometric protocol. Obese adolescents produced greater absolute isokinetic (+16%; P < 0.05) and isometric torque at short (+25%; P < 0.01) but not at long muscle length (P > 0.05) compared to their lean counterparts. The angle of peak torque was significantly lower in obese than in nonobese subjects (−11%; P < 0.05), i.e., obese produced their maximal strength at shorter muscle length. Isokinetic and isometric torque normalized to the fat-free mass were not significantly different between the two groups. No significant difference in voluntary and stimulated torque loss was observed between groups. Muscle strength per unit of fat-free mass and muscle fatigue were similar in the obese and nonobese adolescents tested in this study, therefore suggesting that obesity has little or no effect on quadriceps muscle function characteristics. On the other hand, it remains to be confirmed whether the observed quadriceps muscle length specificity contributes to the reduced functional capacity of obese adolescents during complex motor tasks involving deep knee flexion (squatting, kneeling).     

Bilateral asymmetry of hamstring to quadriceps isokinetic torque ratio in different angular velocities in professional basketball players

BackgroundBilateral symmetry evaluation in lower limb is used for injury prevention, and is an indicator of returning to post-injury activity. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of different angular velocities on asymmetry of the hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio.MethodIsokinetic concentric hamstring to quadriceps (H:Q) peak torque ratio of the 27 male and female professional basketball players was measured at seven angular velocities (60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 180, 240, 300 deg s⁻¹) on both dominant and non-dominant legs with Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of angular velocity and limb side on our outcomes (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe results showed that with increasing angular velocity, the ratio of hamstrings to quadriceps increases (p = 0.001). There was no difference between dominant and non-dominant limbs in the H:Q peak torque ratio (p = 0.254). In addition, velocity of measurement did not affect the bilateral asymmetry of peak torque ratio of the H:Q of both sides (p = 0.852).ConclusionsBased on the results of this study, it can be concluded that measurement velocity does not affect the bilateral asymmetry of the H:Q peak torque ratio of the dominant and non-dominant limbs. In clinical assessments of H:Q bilateral asymmetry, we suggest that physical trainer can assess bilateral asymmetry of H:Q with arbitrary angular velocities.     

Muscle activation and the isokinetic torque-velocity relationship of the human triceps surae

Summary The influence of muscle activation and the time allowed for torque generation on the angle-specific torque-velocity relationship of the triceps surae was studied during plantar flexion using supramaximal electrical stimulation and a release technique on six male subjects [mean (SD) age 25 (4) years]. Torque-velocity data were obtained under different levels of constant muscle activation by varying the stimulus frequency and the time allowed for isometric torque generation prior to release and isokinetic shortening. To eliminate the effects of the frequency response on absolute torque the isokinetic data were normalized to the maximum isometric torque values at 0.44 rad. There were no significant differences in the normalized torques generated at any angular velocity using stimulus frequencies of 20, 50 or 80 Hz. When the muscle was stimulated at 50 Hz the torques obtained after a 400 ms and 1 s pre-release isometric contraction did not differ significantly. However, with no pre-release contraction significantly less torque was generated at all angular velocities beyond 1.05 rad · s^–1 when compared with either the 200, 400 ms or 1 s condition. With a 200 ms pre-release contraction significantly less torque was generated at angular velocities beyond 1.05 rad · s^–1 when compared with the 400 ms or 1 s conditions. It would seem that the major factor governing the shape of the torque-velocity curve at a constant level of muscle activation is the time allowed for torque generation.     

Post-exercise alcohol ingestion exacerbates eccentric-exercise induced losses in performance

The effect of acute alcohol intake on muscular performance in both the exercising and non-exercising legs in the days following strenuous eccentric exercise was investigated to ascertain whether an interaction between post-exercise alcohol use and muscle damage causes an increase in damage-related weakness. Ten healthy males performed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscles of one leg on an isokinetic dynamometer. They then consumed either a beverage containing 1 g of ethanol per kg bodyweight ethanol (as vodka and orange juice; ALC) or a non-alcoholic beverage (OJ). At least 2 weeks later they performed an equivalent bout of eccentric exercise on the contralateral leg after which they consumed the other beverage. Measurement of peak and average peak isokinetic (concentric and eccentric) and isometric torque produced by the quadriceps of both exercising and non-exercising legs was made before and 36 and 60 h post-exercise. Greatest decreases in exercising leg performance were observed at 36 h with losses of 28.7, 31.9 and 25.9% occurring for OJ average peak isometric, concentric, and eccentric torques, respectively. However, average peak torque loss was significantly greater in ALC with the same performance measures decreasing by 40.9, 42.8 and 44.8% (all p < 0.05). Performance of the non-exercising leg did not change significantly under either treatment. Therefore, consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol after damaging exercise magnifies the loss of force associated with strenuous eccentric exercise. This weakness appears to be due to an interaction between muscle damage and alcohol rather than the systemic effects of acute alcohol consumption.     

Effect of ankle position fixation on peak torque and electromyographic activity of the knee flexors and extensors

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle position fixation on peak torque (PT) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of knee-joint muscles during isokinetic testing. Twelve female athletes performed isokinetic knee flexion and extension at 60 degrees and 180 degrees/s under two conditions: with the ankle fixed in a position of plantarflexion and with the ankle fixed in a position of dorsiflexion. Bipolar surface electrodes were placed on the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, medial hamstrings, and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius for determination of the root mean square of the EMG (rmsEMG) and the median frequency of the EMG (mfEMG). No significant differences in knee extensor PT were noted in either ankle position for each velocity tested. Significant differences were noted, however, in knee flexor PT (p < 0.05) at both 60 degrees and 180 degrees/s, with the greatest PT observed with the ankle fixed in dorsiflexion. Neither quadriceps, hamstrings, nor gastrocnemius rmsEMG activity was affected by ankle position; however, there was a significant difference in mfEMG for the gastrocnemius, with higher frequencies observed with the ankle fixed in plantarflexion (p < 0.01). These results suggest that ankle position effects knee flexor PT during open chain isokinetic movements. The reason for decreased knee flexor PT with the ankle fixed in plantarflexion is probably due to the gastrocnemius muscle being in a too shortened position, thereby preventing it from effectively producing force at the knee joint.     

Isokinetic rehabilitation after arthroscopic meniscectomy

Summary The aim of this study was to assess the effects in humans of early (2 weeks) and delayed (6 weeks) isokinetic strength training in the recovery of muscle strength following an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The peak torque developed in the quadriceps and hamstrings and the torque developed at a knee angle of 1.05 rad were evaluated in 16 subjects, pre-operatively (pre-op), and 2, 6, and 10 weeks post-operatively (post-op), on an isokinetic device at four different velocities (1.05, 2.09, 3.14, and 4.19 rad · s^–1). The fatigue characteristics of the muscles were evaluated by having the subject perform 15 maximal contractions at 3.14 rad · s^–1. Training was done on the same device (three times a week for 1–2 months), beginning either 2 or 6 weeks post-op. A repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated a time effect but no differences between groups and no interactions. Torques developed by the knee flexors and extensors were significantly smaller 2 weeks post-op than pre-op, at all velocities tested. Torques developed in the quadriceps recovered to their pre-op values by 6 weeks, and further gained significantly in strength from 6 to 10 weeks. Quadriceps torques remained weaker than the contralateral side at 10 weeks. Hamstrings torques were either higher or similar to pre-op values by 6 weeks, and demonstrated increases from 6 to 10 weeks post-op at 1.05 and 4.19 rad · s^–1 only. Total work and average power developed by the quadriceps and hamstrings during the fatigue protocol changed with time in a similar manner to torque. However, contrary to quadriceps torque, these indices of fatigue were fully recovery by week 10. In conclusion, training in the early stages following arthroscopic meniscectomy does not appear to improve the recovery of strength and the importance of timing of the training stimulus is suggested. Moreover, the results emphasize the need to include a control group when investigating the role of exercise training in the recovery of muscle function.     

Angle- and velocity-specific alterations in torque and semg activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings during isokinetic extension-flexion movements

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of movement velocity (100 degrees, 200 degrees , 300 degrees s(-1), and 400 degrees s(-1)) and joint position (0 degrees - 15 degrees [L0], 25 degrees - 40 degees [L25], 55 degrees - 70 degrees [L55], and 75 degrees - 90 degrees [L75]) on peak torque (PT) parameters and surface electromyography (SEMG) of the knee-joint muscles during reciprocal isokinetic extension and flexion movements. Thirteen subjects (age = 22.7 +/- 2.1 years, mean height = 161.1 +/- 6.6 cm, mean weight = 63.5 +/- 5.8 kg) participated in the study. Bipolar surface electrodes were placed over the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and medial hamstrings for determination of the root mean square (SEMGrms) and median frequency (SEMGmf) of the SEMG. Peak torque, angle of peak torque (PTang), percentage of peak torque (PTper), SEMGrms, and SEMGmf were analyzed using separate repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The following main results, significant at p < or = 0.05 or better, were found: The PTang was influenced by movement velocity (in extension there was a decrease in PTang moving from 300 degrees x s(-1) to 400 degrees x s(-1) and inflexion there was an increase in PTang moving from 300 degrees x s(-1) to 400 degrees x s(-1)). Secondly, a greater percentage of peak torque (PTper) was maintained during knee flexion than knee extension. And thirdly, both the quadriceps and hamstrings exhibited changing amplitudes and spectral frequencies based on joint position and movement velocity. There was a trend of decreasing SEMGrms for the quadriceps as the knee moved into extension, and a lower SEMGmf during early (L75) and end stages of knee extension (L0). For the hamstrings, SEMGrms was lowest at the more shortened position (L75) and highest near the mid-position (L25); the lowest SEMGmf occurred at the more lengthened position (L0) and the highest occurred at the more shortened position (L75). Finally, velocity influenced hamstrings and quadriceps muscle amplitude such that SEMGrms was highest at the slower velocities and lowest at the higher velocities. Velocity had no impact on quadriceps spectral properties (p > 0.05), but had a cyclic effect on hamstrings spectral properties. Changes in amplitude and frequency spectrum in tested muscles could be explained, in part, by neural drive to these muscles. Data support the hypothesis of lower activation levels of the quadriceps muscle in the extended position espoused by several authors as a way to protect the knee-joint in the knee-extended position.     

Comparison of eccentric and concentric isokinetic exercise testing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Evaluation of muscle function can be helpful in rehabilitation programs with knee injuries. The purposes of this study were to evaluate muscle performance and functional level through eccentric and concentric isokinetic testing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and to determine whether eccentric and concentric isokinetic values were correlated with functional level using the Modified Cincinnati Scale (MCS). In order to compare the characteristics of eccentric and concentric parameters, we tested 24 male patients (mean age; 31.1 years) after primary reconstruction of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments of the knee (mean duration; 20.2 months), at angular velocities of 60 degree/sec using Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. We also evaluated the functional level using the MCS. The values of peak torque of the involved knee extensors and flexors were significantly lower than the uninvolved limb in all eccentric and concentric tests (p<0.01). The deficiency ratios of peak torque in knee extensors were significantly larger than knee flexors in both eccentric and concentric tests (p<0.01). The MCS was inversely correlated with the deficiency ratio in peak torque of eccentric knee extensors (p<0.05). These results suggest that eccentric knee extensor training is essential to restore the functional capacity of the injured knee and that isokinetic evaluation is necessary to plan rehabilitation programs to correct possible imbalances which may be predispose subjects to future injury.     

Differences in quadriceps muscle strength and fatigue between lean and obese subjects

The present study aimed to compare quadriceps femoris muscle strength and fatigue between obese (grade II and III) and nonobese adults. Ten obese (mean age: 25 years; mean BMI: 41 kg/m2) and ten lean (mean age: 27 years; mean BMI: 23 kg/m2) men were tested. Quadriceps muscle fatigue was quantified as the (percent) torque loss during a voluntary isokinetic (50 maximal contractions at 180°/s) and an electrostimulated (40 Hz) isometric protocol (5 min, 10% of the maximal torque). Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic torque and power were also measured. Voluntary torque loss was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in obese (−63.5%) than in lean subjects (−50.6%). Stimulated torque decreased significantly (P < 0.05) but equally in the two subject groups. Obese subjects displayed higher absolute (+20%; P < 0.01) but lower relative (i.e., normalized to body mass) (−32%; P < 0.001) muscle torque and power than their lean counterparts. Obese individuals demonstrated lower fatigue resistance during voluntary but not during stimulated knee extensions compared to their nonobese counterparts. Peripheral mechanisms of muscle fatigue—at least those associated to the present stimulated test—were not influenced by obesity. The observed quadriceps muscle function impairments (voluntary fatigue and relative strength) probably contribute to the reduced functional capacity of obese subjects during daily living activities.     

Torque-velocity relationships for the knee extensors in women in their 3rd and 7th decades

Summary Maximal isokinetic knee extensor strength was measured as torque in 17 young (mean age ± SD, 21 ± 3 years) and 16 elderly (68 ± 5 years) women at 30° (0.52 rad) before full extension, at angular velocities from 0 to 5.24 rad s^–1, in 7 increments of 0.87 rad s^–1. The elderly women were significantly weaker than the young women at all angular velocities. The rate of loss of absolute torque with increasing velocity was similar for both age groups, but when torque was standardised as a percentage of the individual's maximum, the elderly group showed a significantly greater rate of loss than the younger group. Quick-release from an isometric effort did not increase the recorded torques at 4.36 rad s^–1 compared with the free-running method in either age group. The age differences are compatible with lower ratio of type II to type I fibre are in the older group.     

Effects of contract-relax stretching training on muscle performance in athletes

The effects of an 8-week unilateral contract-relax (CR) stretching training program (passive stretch after isometric contraction) on muscular performance were investigated in a group of 16 athletes. The flexibility, maximum torque and angular position as well as contraction work in movements of the knee joint were determined before training and after 4 and 8 weeks of training. The torque measurements were performed under isokinetic conditions, eccentrically at angular velocities of 60°?·?s^?1 and 120°?·?s^?1, isometrically at five different joint positions, and concentrically at angular velocities of 60, 120, 180 and 240°?·?s^?1 using an isokinetic dynamometer. A surface electromyogram (EMG) of the thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) was recorded simultaneously. As compared to untrained control limbs, significant improvements in active and passive flexibility (up to 6.3° in range of motion), maximum torque (up to 21.6%) and work (up to 12.9%) were observed, and these were especially pronounced under eccentric load conditions. A comparison between integrated EMG recordings during eccentric and concentric loads, as well as the interpretation of the training-induced changes in the EMG, suggest that muscular activity under eccentric loads may be impaired by mental processes.     

膝骨关节炎与膝关节伸、屈肌群肌力的相关性研究

目的通过研究膝骨关节炎(knee osteoarthritis,KOA)症状及病变阶段与膝关节伸、屈肌群肌力的相关性,探讨KOA患者肌力训练的关键肌群。方法社区募集健康老年人、单膝KOA患者、双膝KOA患者共99位志愿者,应用膝关节等速肌力测试、WOMAC评分、6 min步行测试、CS-30测试,分析志愿者膝关节伸、屈肌群峰力矩与KOA症状、全身有氧运动能力、关节功能等的相关性。结果单膝KOA组患者患侧膝关节伸肌群等速峰力矩显著低于健侧。双膝KOA组患者症状严重侧和症状较轻侧膝关节伸、屈肌群等速峰力矩差异均有统计学意义。双膝KOA组患者膝关节伸肌群等速峰力矩显著低于健康组。KOA患者膝关节伸、屈肌群等速峰力矩与CS-30测试、6 min步行测试均呈正相关,均与年龄呈负相关;膝关节伸肌群等速峰力矩与WOMAC评分的疼痛和功能障碍项呈负相关。结论膝关节伸、屈肌群均与KOA相关,KOA康复过程中不仅需重视股四头肌等伸肌群的训练,而且要兼顾腘绳肌、腓肠肌等屈肌群的训练。     

Functional torque-velocity and power-velocity characteristics of elite athletes

Summary Technical limitations of some isokinetic dynamometers have called into question the validity of some data on human muscle mechanics. The Biodex dynamometer has been shown to minimize the impact artefact while permitting automatic gravity correction. This dynamometer was used to study quadriceps muscle torque and power generation in elite power (n = 6) and elite endurance (n = 7) athletes over 12 randomly assigned isokinetic velocities from 30° · s^–1 to 300° · s^–1. The angle at peak torque varied as a negative, linear function of angular velocity, with the average angle across test velocities being 59.5° (SD 10.2°). Power athletes developed greater peak torque at each angular velocity (P < 0.05) and experienced a 39.7% decrement in torque over the velocity range tested. En-, durance athletes encountered a 38.8% decline in peak torque. Torques measured at 60° of knee flexion followed a similar trend in both groups; however the greatest torques were recorded at 60° s^–1 rather than at 30° · s^–1 Leg extensor muscle power increased monotonically with angular velocity in both power (r ² = 0.728) and endurance athletes (r ² = 0.839); however these curves diverged significantly so that the power athletes produced progressively more power with each velocity increment. These inter group differences probably reflected a combination of natural selection and training adaptation.     

Co-activation and tension-regulating phenomena during isokinetic knee extension in sedentary and highly skilled humans

The aim of this study was to examine isokinetic torque produced by highly skilled (HS) and sedentary (S) human subjects, during knee extension, during maximal voluntary and superimposed electrical activation. To verify the level of activation of agonist (vastus lateralis, VL, and vastus medialis, VM) and antagonist muscles (semi-tendineous, ST), during maximal voluntary activation, their myo-electrical activities were detected and quantified as root mean square (rms) amplitude. Ten HS and ten S subjects performed voluntary and superimposed isometric actions and isokinetic knee extensions at 14 angular velocities (from –120 to 300°·s^–1). The rms amplitude of each muscle was normalized with respect to its rms amplitude when acting as agonist at 15°·s^–1. Whatever the angular velocity considered, peals torque and constant angular torque at 65° HS were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of S. Eccentric superimposed torque of S, but not HS, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than voluntary torque at –120, –90, –60 and –30°·s^–1 angular velocities. For a given velocity, the rms amplitude of VL and VM were significantly lower (P < 0.05), during eccentric than during concentric actions, in S, but not in HS. However, whatever the angular velocity, ST co-activation in HS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in S. We concluded that co-activation phenomenon could partly explain differences in isokinetic performances. Differences between voluntary and superimposed eccentric torques as well as lower agonist rms amplitude during eccentric action in S, support the possibility of the presence of a tension-regulating mechanism in sedentary subjects.     

Force-velocity relationship on a cycle ergometer and knee-extensor strength indices.

Maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) is often measured on a friction loaded cycle ergometer by means of an all-out exercise against a single braking force or from the force-velocity relationship. The relationship between braking force (F) and peak velocity (V) in cycling is linear: V = V0(1-F/F0) where V0 and F0 correspond to the intercepts with the velocity axis and force axis, respectively. The aim of the present paper was to test the hypothesis that parameter F0 expresses strength ability. The first study (12 male volleyball players) showed significant correlations between F0 and maximal isometric voluntary force (MVF) or maximal isometric rate of force development (MRFD) during isometric knee extension with data expressed either in absolute units (0.66 < r < 0.81, P < 0.01) or related to quadriceps muscle mass kgQ or kgQ2/3 (0.58 < r < 0.82, 0.05 < P < 0.001). In the second study (24 male athletes), F0 was significantly correlated with the peak torques in isokinetic Biodex knee extension at four angular velocities (0, 1.57, 3.14 and 4.19 rad.s-1) with the values expressed in absolute units (0.49 < r < 0.83, 0.05 < P < 0.001). When the results were related to kgQ or kgQ2/3 the correlation coefficients increased with velocity (0.22 < r < 0.69) and were significant (0.05 < P < 0.001) except at 0 rad.s-1. Nevertheless, the interest of the determination of F0 in addition to Pmax is questionable because similar coefficients of correlation were obtained between Pmax and strength performances.     

The development of balance control in children: comparisons of EMG and kinetic variables and chronological and developmental groupings

This cross-sectional study examined electromyographic (EMG) and kinetic variables during reactive balance responses in children grouped according to developmental level as compared with chronological age. Purposes were to explore relationships between the two types of variables and the effectiveness of the two grouping methods. Forty-four children between 9 months and 10 years old were tested for reactive balance control on a moveable platform. Surface electrodes measured EMG activity in the gastrocnemius (GA), hamstrings (HA), paraspinals (PS), tibialis anterior (TA), quadriceps (QA), and abdominal (AB) muscles. Timing and distance of center-of-pressure (COP) movements and peak muscle torques at the ankle, knee, and hip were also examined. Significant relationships and group differences were found between postural muscle activity and both the torque generated in the lower limbs and the timing and distance of COP adjustments employed to restabilize balance. As postural muscle activity increased and became more coordinated in timing, peak torque at the ankle and hip also increased, while the distance of and time to complete COP readjustments decreased. Children in younger/developmentally lower groups had smaller-magnitude and less-synergic muscle activity, lower peak torques, longer times to restabilize the COP, and greater COP paths than older/higher developmental groupings. Grouping by developmental level produced more statistical differences than did grouping by age. The correspondence of GA, HA, and PS muscle activity with COP measures and joint peak torques confirms that these muscles are key contributors to the balance synergy correcting for induced forward sway. Additionally, developmental level appears to be a much better predictor of balance improvement than chronological age.     

Effects of a 5-h hilly running on ankle plantar and dorsal flexor force and fatigability

This study aimed to examine the effects of a 5-h hilly run on ankle plantar (PF) and dorsal flexor (DF) force and fatigability. It was hypothesised that DF fatigue/fatigability would be greater than PF fatigue/fatigability. Eight male trail long distance runners (42.5 ± 5.9 years) were tested for ankle PF and DF maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction strength and fatigue resistance tests (percent decrement score), maximal voluntary and electrically evoked isometric contraction strength before and after the run. Maximal EMG root mean square (RMS(max)) and mean power frequency (MPF) values of the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL) EMG activity were calculated. The peak torque of the potentiated high- and low-frequency doublets and the ratio of paired stimulation peak torques at 10 Hz over 100 Hz (Db10:100) were analysed for PF. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength of PF decreased from pre- to post-run (-17.0 ± 6.2%; P < 0.05), but no significant decrease was evident for DF (-7.9 ± 6.2%). Maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction strength and fatigue resistance remained unchanged for both PF and DF. RMS(max) SOL during maximal voluntary isometric contraction and RMS(max) TA during maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction were decreased (P < 0.05) after the run. For MPF, a significant decrease for TA (P < 0.05) was found and the ratio Db10:100 decreased for PF (-6.5 ± 6.0%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, significant isometric strength loss was only detected for PF after a 5-h hilly run and was partly due to low-frequency fatigue. This study contradicted the hypothesis that neuromuscular alterations due to prolonged hilly running are predominant for DF.