Suggestion of a Method for Evaluating Athletic Ability through Changes in Knee Angular Velocity

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the power change when increasing angular velocity from 180°/sec to 240°/sec in male athletes during isokinetic knee joint tests.METHODS: Isokinetic knee extension/flexion tests were conducted at angular velocities of 60, 180, and 240°/sec in 74 adult male athletes from three sports (judo, field hockey, and canoeing). A basic physical fitness test and an anaerobic Wingate test were also conducted. Peak torque (Nm) and power (watts) were compared for different angular velocities. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between power change. In addition, fitness and Wingate test results were compared between groups divided by increased/decreased power change.RESULTS: As angular velocity increased, peak torque decreased and muscle power significantly increased (p < .05). The rate of power increase/decrease generated when the angular velocity changed from 180°/sec to 240°/sec showed a significant positive correlation with muscle strength (grip strength, back strength) and peak revolutions per minute (RPM) in the Wingate test (p < .05). The group with an increased power tendency at 240°/sec showed higher Wingate RPM results than the decreased power group (p < .05).CONCLUSIONS: The change in power at high angular velocities may be used to predict an athlete , s speed ability, depending on whether their muscle power increases or decreases from 180°/sec to 240°/sec.