A Comparison of Time to Peak Torque and Acceleration Time in Elite Karate Athletes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MSc in Sport Biomechanics, Graduated Faculty, Islamic Azad University-Borujerd Branch, Borujerd, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Sport Biomechanics, Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

Purpose:
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences between acceleration time and time to peak torque of the knee muscles of female elite karate athletes before and after muscular fatigue.
Methods:
Thirteen female elite karate athletes (age: 15.5±1.3 years) were evaluated using the Biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer at 60◦/s, 180◦/s and 300◦/s before and after hamstring and quadriceps muscular fatigue.
Results:
There were no significant differences in time to peak torque and acceleration time variables at the 60◦/s speed before and after fatigue (p>0.05). At the 180◦/s speed, the quadriceps and hamstring presented a lower time to peak torque after muscular fatigue (p<0.05). At the 300◦/s speed, only hamstring muscles showed a higher time to peak torque and acceleration time after muscular fatigue (p =0.04).
Conclusion:
Results of the present study indicated that the functional demands of muscular fatigue among female elite karate athletes are not necessarily their muscular strength. This can be explained because the time to peak torque and acceleration time were changed after muscular fatigue. However, muscular fatigue could produce agonist-antagonist muscle asymmetries, particularly in high velocities that could influence the knee joint injuries.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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