Avaliação isocinética de extensores e flexores de joelho de ciclistas amadores

Abstract

The practice of cycling results in an improvement in the quality of life of its practitioners, on the other hand, they have a high rate of injuries, especially in the knee joint. Thus, the main objective of this study was to analyze the muscular performance of knee extensors and flexors of male amateur cyclists. Twenty male road cycling practitioners (37.70 ± 4.34 years, 1.76 ± 0.07 m, 75.05 ± 8.11 kg, 24.05 ± 1.45 kg/m²) participated in the study. To assess muscle performance, an isokinetic dynamometer was used and the tests consisted of maximum concentric contractions (5, 10, 15 and 20 repetitions), with the knee extensor and flexor muscles being tested at angular velocities of 60°/s., 120° /s., 180°/s. and 240°/s. When comparing the limbs, no statistically significant differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant limbs, both in the analysis of the mean values of peak torque and the flexor/extensor ratio at all evaluated angular velocities. However, the mean values of the knee flexor/extensor ratio were below those suggested in the literature. The symmetry between the limbs is explained by the pedal movement being cyclical and with identical bilateral requirements. On the other hand, the values of the flexors/extensor ratio being below are due to the greater demand of the extensors during the pedaling movement, while the flexion occurs in a more passive way. For this reason, it is essential to carry out specific strengthening work on the knee flexor muscles, in order to balance the flexor/extensor ratio and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]