[Isokinetic profile of knee flexors and extensors in a population of rugby players].
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the isokinetic profile of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee within a population of rugby players.


METHODS
This was a descriptive study. The rugby players underwent bilateral isokinetic assessment of knee flexion and extension on a CON-TREX MJ isokinetic dynamometer functioning at four angular frequencies - 90, 120, 180 and 240 degrees/s - in a concentric manner. The isokinetic parameters were peak torque, mean power, and mean work in relation to weight and femoral bicep: quadriceps ratio. The population included 16 "Federal 1" (semi-professional) rugby players with mean age 25 years (range 20-33 years). The players were divided into two groups: "forward" players (props, hookers, second line, third line) and "back" players (scrum, inside, center, wing, tail).


RESULTS
The values of the isokinetic parameters did not reveal use of a preferred limb. Consequently, peak torque and mean power were higher in forward players than back players, whereas back players showed a higher relative power throughout the isokinetic test.


CONCLUSIONS
Among rugby players, forward and back players showed differences in several isokinetic parameters. Accurate knowledge of the equilibrium between the knee's effector muscles is important for stability of the joint, to not only minimize articular accidents but also pinpoint force imbalances, thereby preventing muscular lesions during the sports season.
Larrat
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E
Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, pavillon Maurice-Salles, CHU de Poitiers, rue de la Milétrie, BP 577, 86021 Poitiers, France.
Kemoun
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G
Carette
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P
Teffaha
D
D
Dugue
B
B
D000328:Adult; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*