title: [Isokinetic evaluation of the muscular strength and balance of knee extensor and flexor apparatus of taekwondo athletes].
abstract: Lower limb strength and muscular balance are important attributes in the practice of Taekwondo.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess through isokinetic dynamometry the muscular strength and balance of knee extensor and flexor apparatus of elite Taekwondo athletes and to compare with recreational-type athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The maximum torque, the angle of maximum torque, maximum torque work, total work of the series, average power, and flexor and extensor muscle apparatus balance of the knees were obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 32 knees were studied. Significantly higher values in peak torque and total work of the series were present in the group of TKD athletes in the extensor muscles, while the maximum torque angle of extensor and flexor muscles was higher in controls. We found a muscular imbalance due to flexor muscle strength deficit in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Higher levels of muscular strength and an imbalance between the knee flexor and extensor muscle groups characterized the predominant motor gesture of TKD athletes. These results are useful in the design and implementation of training programs, to optimize the value of muscular strength and muscle balance in TKD athletes directed to promote optimal athletic performance and prevent sport-related injuries.
authors: Ecografía Musculoesquelética y Articular, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, México, D.F.
authors: Luis Enrique
authors: LE
authors: Martínez Hernández
authors: Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención en Medicina del Deporte, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, México, D.F.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Pegueros Pérez
authors: Servicio de Medicina del Deporte, Comité Olímpico Mexicano, México, D.F.
authors: Alfonso
authors: A
authors: Ortiz Alvarado
authors: Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención en Medicina del Deporte, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, México, D.F.
authors: Ariadna
authors: A
authors: Del Villar Morales
authors: Physical Medicine Associates, Arlington, Texas.
authors: Víctor H
authors: VH
authors: Flores
authors: Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, México, D.F.
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Pineda Villaseñor