Peak torque values for antagonist muscle groups and concentric and eccentric contraction types for elite sprinters.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive strength estimates of the major muscle groups of the lower limbs for a group of elite sprinters by comparing both the eccentric and concentric and the agonist and antagonist peak torques. The peak torque values of the flexor and extensor muscle groups of the hip, knee, and ankle joints of the lower extremities were tested in a group of elite male and female sprinters. These values were measured both eccentrically and concentrically for each of the joint movements tested, using a Kin/Com isokinetic dynamometer. The peak torque values for the knee joint were found to be substantially larger than those reported for nonathletes, and comparable to those for other athletic populations. No comparable scores were located for the results of the hip and ankle scores. The flexion and extension ratios for the knee joint, at approximately .60, were similar to others reported, whereas the ratios for the hip joint were larger at .76. The concentric and eccentric ratios varied, depending on the speed of testing and the joint tested.