Knee Isokinetic Torque Imbalance in Female Futsal Players

Abstract

Introduction: The specificity of sports training can lead to muscle specialization with a possible change in the natural hamstring/quadriceps torque ratio (HQ ratio), constituting a risk factor for muscle injury at the joint angles in which muscle imbalance may impair dynamic stability. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the torque distribution of the hamstrings and quadriceps and the HQ ratio throughout the range of motion in order to identify possible muscle imbalances at the knee of female futsal athletes. Methods: Nineteen amateur female futsal athletes had their dominant limb HQ ratio evaluated in a series of five maximum repetitions of flexion/extension of the knee at 180°/second in the total joint range of motion (30° to 80°). The peak flexor and extensor torque and the HQ ratio (%) were compared each 5° of knee motion using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p<0.05) to determine the joint angles that present muscular imbalance. Results: Quadriceps torque was higher than 50° to 60° of knee flexion, while hamstrings torque was higher than 55° to 65°. The HQ ratio presented lower values than 30° to 45° of knee flexion and four athletes presented values lower than 60%, which may represent a risk of injury. However, the HQ ratio calculated by the peak torque showed only one athlete with less than 60%. Conclusion: The HQ ratio analyzed throughout the knee range of motion allowed identifying muscle imbalance at specific joint angles in female futsal players.

Epidemiology of Injuries in Elite Female Futsal Players: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…The quadriceps strain had a higher incidence than hamstring strains, as well as other female team sports [25]. In this regard, muscular imbalances have been found in female futsal players in the hamstrings:quadriceps ratio, which was previously identified as a risk factor [26]. The ankle sprain has been reviewed in the literature because of its relevance and recurrence, particularly in women and players of indoor court sport [27], like futsal.…”

The effect of static and dynamic muscle stretching as part of warm-up procedures on stretching on isokinetic strength, functional movement screen, flexibility and agility in Korean national foil fencers

“…Some studies demonstrated differences between uninjured and injured participants in FMS total scores and individual FMS test scores such as deep squat (Butler et al, 2013;Chorba et al, 2010;Peate et al, 2007). Prior researcher reported that experienced rugby athletes with FMS composite scores 14 or less were significantly more likely to sustain time-loss injury in a competitive season than those scoring above 14 (Rodrigues et al, 2017). Muscle strength imbalance associated with injury risk (Edouard et al, 2013;Knapik et al, 1991), is likely to negatively affect athletic performance (Maly, Zahalka, & Mala, 2015).…”

Análise de fatores biomecânicos modificáveis envolvidos na mudança de direção em atletas de futsal feminino

“…O cálculo da razão flexores/ extensores comumente é realizado por meio do pico de torque desses grupos musculares. Rodrigues (21) e Rodrigues et al (42) propõem calcular a razão levando em consideração os valores de torque extensor e flexor obtidos na mesma amplitude de movimento devido a produção de torque muscular variar de acordo com o ângulo do joelho (54).…”

“…No presente estudo os ângulos em que foi encontrado o pico de torque extensor variam de 50° a 80°, que corresponde a faixa que abrange o ângulo ótimo (71,3°), enquanto os ângulos referentes ao pico de torque flexor variam de 33° a 71°, não corresponde à faixa referente ao ângulo ótimo (30,1°) (9,45,(55)(56)(57). As discordâncias dos ângulos flexores podem decorrer da necessidade de maior produção de torque desse grupo muscular em torno dessa amplitude na prática do futsal (42).…”

“…Os valores de razão encontrados no estudo, nas velocidades de 60°/s, 180°/s e 300°/s mostram-se dentro da referência de normalidade de 50% a 80% nos ângulos de flexão do joelho (6,23,42,(60)(61)(62)(63). Apesar de a 75° e 80° na velocidade de 60°/s ocorrerem valores abaixo da referência (49,16% e 46,67%) este achado não é preocupante, pois resulta da relação força-comprimento e da desvantagem mecânica principalmente dos flexores de joelho.…”