title: Neuromuscular performance characteristics of open-wheel and rally drivers.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate neuromuscular performance characteristics in open-wheel and rally drivers using the cross-sectional study design. The subjects (N = 28) consisted of experienced international-level open-wheel drivers (n = 9), experienced international-level rally drivers (n = 9) and a physically active nondriving male control group (n = 10). In 3 separate test sessions, speed, muscle strength, and endurance tests were performed. The rally drivers had higher (p < 0.05) grip, shoulder flexion, and ankle plantar flexion strength, as compared to the control group. The open-wheel drivers showed higher strengths (p < 0.05) than the controls in neck forces, grip, shoulder flexion, and leg extension. The rally drivers were stronger (p < 0.05) than the open-wheel drivers in grip, plantar flexion, and trunk extension forces, whereas the open-wheel drivers were stronger (p < 0.01) than the rally drivers in neck lateral flexions and extension forces. Thus, competitive long-term open-wheel and rally drivers differ specifically in neuromuscular performance. For practice, these findings suggest that rally drivers should concentrate on training hand, ankle, and trunk muscles, whereas open-wheel drivers should train neck muscles, especially, and all other muscle groups rather equally.
authors.affiliation: Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: Jani
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Backman
authors.forename: Keijo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Häkkinen
authors.forename: Jari
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ylinen
authors.forename: Arja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Häkkinen
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kyröläinen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D001334:Automobile Driving; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009333:Neck / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*