THE MAXIMAL MUSCLE TORQUES DISTRIBUTION AMONG MUSCLE GROUPS IN ELITE ATHLETES IN COMBAT SPORTS

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to point out typical asymmetries in strength distribution among main muscle groups in top athletes representing various kinds of combat sports. The differences in strength between tested groups were also considered and discussed. METHODS: Three groups of high-level sportsmen (11 fencers, 16 judokas and 16 boxers) took part in the experiment. Maximal muscle torques were measured in isometric conditions for flexion and extension in the elbow, shoulder, knee and hip joints for the left and right extremity. Special torquemeter devices (chair and bench) were utilized for measurement. The 2-way MACNOVA for repeated measures (8 variables) was employed to test differences in average strength between sports and sides. The logarithm of the body mass was included as a covariate. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to examine the distributions of the tested variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in average strength for both analyzed factors: sports (Rao's R=7.34,), sides (Rao's R=10.66, ) and their interaction (Rao's R=1.86, ). The asymmetrical strength distribution is thought to be the result of specific training methods applied in each tested sport discipline. The tested groups differed in strength in elbow, knee and hip for both flexion and extension. No matter how the body mass influence was controlled, the strength in the group of boxers was found lower, especially for knee and hip extensions. Fig.1. Mean values of maximal muscle torques for elbow (E), arm (A), knee (K), and hip (H) flexion (F) and extension (E) estimated for the athletes representing fencing, judo and boxing

Lower limb laterality versus foot structure in men and women

Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine connections between the functional asymmetry of limbs and the morphological asymmetry of feet

The effectiveness of a pendulum swing for the development of leg strength and counter-movement jump performance

Various training devices have been developed to facilitate 'plyometric' training, one such device being the 'pendulum swing'. To assess the effectiveness of the pendulum swing, the results of a 3 week training programme using a combination of pendulum swing and weight-training exercises were compared to those of a weight-training programme. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups (n = 9) for weight-training only or for combined pendulum and weight-training. Both groups performed the same number of exercise repetitions. Measurements of isometric knee and hip extension-flexion, 1-RM squat weight, maximum jump height and power for a counter-movement jump were taken pre-training, 2 days after the end of the programme and 2 weeks after the end of the programme. The data were analysed using two-way MANOVA and MANCOVA techniques. Both methods showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in knee and hip extension strength. Hip and knee flexion strength increased only for the weight-trained group. Counter-movement jump height increased for both groups (weight-trained, P < 0.05; combined, P < 0.01). Maximum power increased only for the combined group (P < 0.05). When the pre-training scores were used as a covariate, the weight-trained group showed a greater increase in hip flexion and extension strength and knee flexion strength than the combined training group (P < 0.05). The combined group showed the greatest increase in knee extensor strength. It is concluded that the pendulum system induces a training effect which could be used to supplement weight-training for improving vertical jump performance

Muscle strength, muscle power and body composition in college-aged young women and men with Generalized Joint Hypermobility.

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the musculoskeletal system in women and men with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH). The study included 87 participants- 40 with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (aged 21.2 ±1.8 years) and 47 (aged 21.0 ±1.3 years) in the control group (CG). The study included the Beighton score, the measurements of body composition, muscle flexibility (Straight Leg Raise test, Popliteal Angle test, Modified Thomas Test), and the measurements of muscle strength and muscle power. T-test and Mann-Whitney U Test were applied to assess the differences between independent groups. The study showed that there were no significant differences (p>.05) in the assessed body composition and the muscle flexibility between both women and men with GJH and the participants in the CG. Under isokinetic conditions for the non-dominant lower extremity, men from the CG received significantly higher (p = .02) flexion peak torque at 180°/s angular velocity. Women from the CG received a statistically significantly lower (p = .04) F/E ratio at 180°/s velocity. Under isometric conditions for both women and men with GJH, there were no statistically significant differences (p>.05) in the maximum torques in knee extension and flexion compared to the CG. For women and men with GJH, the maximum power in the lower extremities and jumping ability were not significantly different (p>.05) compared to the CG participants. The body composition, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and muscle power of adults with Generalized Joint Hypermobility did not differ compared to healthy participants. The fact that there are no differences does not exclude the efficacy of strength training in increasing levels of muscle strength and its impact on body posture and proprioception or coordination

Correction: Muscle strength, muscle power and body composition in college-aged young women and men with Generalized Joint Hypermobility.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236266.]