Swing phase mechanics of maximal velocity sprints – Does isokinetic lower-limb muscle strength matter?

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftZeitschriftenaufsätzeForschungBegutachtung

Abstract

PURPOSE: Concentric hip and eccentric knee joint mechanics affect sprint performance. Although the biarticular hamstrings combine these capacities, empirical links between swing phase mechanics and corresponding isokinetic outcome parameters are deficient. This explorative study aimed (1) to explain the variance of sprint velocity, (2) to compare maximal sprints with isokinetic tests, (3) to associate swing phase mechanics with isokinetic parameters, and (4) to relate knee to hip joint swing phase mechanics. METHODS: Twenty-two sprinters (22y, 1.81m, 77kg) performed sprints and eccentric knee flexor (Hecc) and concentric knee extensor (Qcon) tests. All exercises were captured by ten (sprints) and four (isokinetics) cameras. Lower limb muscle balance was assessed by the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point (DCRe). RESULTS: Sprint velocity (9.79±0.49m/s) was best predicted by maximal knee extension velocity, hip mean power (both swing phase parameters) and isokinetic peak moment of Qcon (R²=60%). The DCRe moment (R²=39%) was the isokinetic parameter with the highest predictive power itself. Knee and hip joint mechanics affected each other during sprinting. They were significantly associated with parameters of Hecc, DCRe moments and angles, but restrictedly with Qcon. Maximal sprints imposed considerably higher loads than isokinetic exercise (e.g., 13-fold eccentric knee joint peak power). CONCLUSIONS: Fast sprinters demonstrated distinctive knee and hip mechanics in late swing phase as well as strong eccentric hamstrings with a clear association to the musculo-articular requirements of the swing phase in sprinting. The transferability of isokinetic knee strength data to sprinting is limited inter alia due to different hip joint configurations. However, isokinetic tests quantify specific sprint-related muscular prerequisites and constitute a useful diagnostic tool due to their predicting value to sprint performance.
OriginalspracheEnglisch
ZeitschriftInternational journal of sports physiology and performance
Jahrgang16
Ausgabenummer7
Seiten (von - bis)974-984
Seitenumfang11
ISSN1555-0265
DOIs
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 13.01.2021

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