A COMPARISON OF TORQUE- VELOCITY- POWER CHARACTERISTICS OF MAXIMAL KNEE EXTENSION IN SPRINT AND ENDURANCE TRAINED ATHLETES

Abstract

This study examined the torque-velocity and power-velocity relationships of quadriceps muscle function in sprint and endurance athletes. Isokinetic maximal knee extension torque was obtained from seven sprinters and seven endurance athletes using a Contrex isokinetic dynamometer. Torque and power measures were corrected for lean thigh cross-sectional area and lean thigh volume respectively. The results indicated that significantly different torque and power velocity relationships existed between the two groups. The implication from this is that the use of isokinetic dynamometry might be a useful non-invasive method for determining qualitatively, the functional capacity of a muscle group.