Abstract des Autors

Most of the knee flexor muscles, and, among the extensors, the rectus femoris, have their origin at the pelvis. Thus, their action on the knee, depending on their length is influenced by the degree of hip flexion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knee flexor-extensor strength as related to the hip position in order to set the most useful rehabilitation protocol modes related to specific muscle groups. A sample of 30 male ISEF students were administered isometric and isokinetic tests in sitting and supine position. In the isometric test, the strength momentum values related to knee flexor-extensor muscles, at intervals of 15 degrees of flexion, were measured. The isokinetic test was performed at 60 and 180 deg/sec for peak torque evaluation. The tests were performed respectively in the supine and in the sitting position. The data permitted to draw either the curves showing the strength peak momentum expressed on isometric contraction at different knee flexion angles, or the strength-velocity curves related to both muscle groups herein studied. From the comparison of data from the extensor muscles in the two positions, we can only evaluate the rectus femoris performance. The results show that the sitting position is very useful in the isokinetic rehabilitation of knee flexors and extensors; for rectus femoris rehabilitation, instead, the supine position during the last 30 degrees of knee extension is effective. Verf.-Referat