Bilateral assessment of knee muscle relationships in healthy adults

Abstract

Asymmetric performance of flexor and extensor muscles of the knee may be a risk factor for knee injuries, especially the anterior cruciate ligament. Additionally, asymmetries in power and work may have correlations with fatigue and performance during functional tasks. Among untrained individuals, such asymmetries may be of potential interest for training prescription. Here, we investigated the bilateral performance of knee flexors and extensors muscle groups of untrained individuals. We quantified the torque-angle and torque-velocity relationships, as well as work, power and asymmetry indexes in 20 untrained male (25 ± 4 years old; height 1.74 ± 0.05 m; body mass 76 ± 9 kg). No significant asymmetry was observed for torque-angle and torque-velocity relationships, work and power output for knee flexor and extensor muscle groups (p < .05). Our results suggest that untrained male present symmetry in the knee flexion and extension bilateral performance. Changes in this behavior due to physical training must be monitored.

Anthropometric and Range of Motion Evaluation of the Lower Limbs’ Joints as Factors for Symmetry Assessment at High Level Handball Players Prior to Their Return to Play After An Injury in Lower Limbs.

“…The main causes of injuries are asymmetries in muscle strength, proprioception, joint stability, as well as anatomical and anthropometric asymmetries (Fousekis, Tsepis & Vagenas, 2010). A complete evaluation of the asymmetries between the two limbs would be very useful before returning to the training process and would significantly reduce the chance of injury (Santos et al, 2014). Asymmetry between the two limbs, either in strength or flexibility, increases the risk of re-injury (Di Stasi, et al, 2013;Paterno et al, 2010).…”