Abstract

Biomechanists have always been deeply interested in the quantitative evaluation of strength. Isokinetic testing has been employed for this purpose since the early 70s. Little research has yet been done to evaluate muscular function during isokinetic eccentric contraction. Purpose of this study was to evaluate muscular function during different types of contraction. Eleven amateur soccer players belonging to teams taking part in FIGC championship were tested. Knee extensor peak torque (PT) was measured during isometric, isokinetic concentric (60 and 240 deg/sec) and isokinetic eccentric (60 and 240 deg/sec) contractions. Total work done during three complete cycles was calculated in 8 out 11 subjects. The highest peak torque values in both limbs were obtained under isokinetic eccentric loading. Peak torque values recorded in isometrics are intermediate between those obtained under isokinetic concentric and eccentric loading. The decrease of concentric peak torque with the increase of velocity is statistically significant. The ratio between eccentric and concentric peak torque is lower at 60 deg/sec than at 240 deg/sec. These results partially confirm the findings of previous studies and underline the importance of the eccentric exercise in order to obtain a complete description of muscular performance. Verf.-Referat