Bilateral and ipsilateral peak torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in elite judokas

OBJECTIVE: To examine bilateral and ipsilateral peak torque values of quadriceps (Q) and hamstring (H) muscles in elite judokas. METHODS: 16 elite male judokas were tested in concentric isokinetic strength of the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) muscles at 60° and 180° sec(-1). Variables comprised average peak torque and the traditional H/Q, Q/Q, H/H ratios. Asymmetries between legs and differences between isokinetic muscle strength ratios were examined using paired t-tests and Cohen’s d. RESULTS: In right (Rs) and left (Ls) extremity peak torque values, no significant difference was found between 60° and 180° sec(-1) angular velocities (p>0.05). In peak torque values between PLs and NPLs, significant difference was found only in extension (Ex) phase at 60° sec(-1) angular velocity p=0.001). (Significance was identified between (Q/Q) and (H/H) muscle ratios at 60° sec(-1) (p=0.029). No significant difference was found in ipsilateral strength ratios at 60° and 180° sec(-1) angular velocity (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Ex knee strength of PLs was high, particularly at low angular velocities, leading to differences of bilateral asymmetry in the Q muscle group. Regarding ipsilateral strength ratios, there were no differences in the H and Q muscle groups at both angular velocities, indicating that both legs were similar in terms of ipsilateral asymmetry.