ABSTRACT

Background: This study was conducted to compare isokinetic strength, hamstring/quadriceps ratios and dominant/non-dominant leg strength asymmetries of athletes at similar competition level with different years of training.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine and compare isokinetic peak torque, H / Q ratios and bilateral force asymmetry in volleyball players.

Methods: The first group of volunteer participants consist of 10 healthy athletes with average of; 17.48±1.43 years old and 2.7±1.4 years of training. The second group of volunteer participants consist of 10 healthy athletes with average of; 17.40±1.53 years old and 5.7±0.9 years of training. The isokinetic muscle function of the knee was measured using the Cybex Norm 6000. Measurements were collected at angle speeds of 60 o/s and 180 o/s, for 6 and 15- repetitions respectively.

Results: The results of the present study show that, there is a statistically significant difference in the extension movement of athletes performed at 180o/s on both legs (peak torque) which is dominated by the quadriceps muscles (p< 0.05). However; H/Q ratios in both angular speeds do not reveal a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Also, there is no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) when the right and left leg force asymmetry.

Conclusion: The training routines applied by volleyball teams do not have any effect on the isokinetic leg strength of the athletes playing in the junior teams. It is suggested that including specific strength exercises that will improve isokinetic strength in volleyball training programs for preventing injury risks in the future.

Keywords: Leg peak tork, volleyball, H/Q ratio, leg strength, isokinetic strength