title: Analysis of elbow muscle strength parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners.
abstract: Upper-body dynamic and isometric maximum strength are essential components for success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This study was aimed at analysing strength parameters in the elbow flexor and extensor muscles of BJJ practitioners. Participants (n = 28) performed maximum isometric contractions of elbow flexors and extensors to determine peak torque (PT), rate of force development (RFD), and the torque-angle (T-A) relationship at elbow angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, and 120°. Additionally, concentric and eccentric PTs were measured at 1.04 rad·s-1. Student t-test and ANOVA were performed using α = 0.05. Elbow flexors were stronger isometrically (P < 0.001, ES = 1.23) but weaker concentrically (P < 0.05, ES = 0.54) than extensor muscles, possibly because of the extensive grip disputes and pushing of opponents in BJJ. The T-A relationship had an inverted "U"-shape. Torque differences across elbow angles were moderate (ES = 0.62) for the extensor and large (ES = 0.92) for the flexor muscles. Isometric torque was greatest for elbow angles of 105° and 75° and smallest for 45° and 120° for extensor and flexor muscles, respectively. Elbow flexors had a greater RFD than extensors, regardless of elbow angle. The present study provides comprehensive results for elbow muscle strength in BJJ practitioners.
authors.affiliation: a Biomechanics Laboratory, Centre of Sports , Federal University of Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Follmer
authors.affiliation: a Biomechanics Laboratory, Centre of Sports , Federal University of Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodolfo André
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Dellagrana
authors.affiliation: a Biomechanics Laboratory, Centre of Sports , Federal University of Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil.
authors.forename: Luis Antonio Pereira
authors.initials: LAP
authors.lastname: de Lima
authors.affiliation: b Human Performance Laboratory , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Herzog
authors.affiliation: a Biomechanics Laboratory, Centre of Sports , Federal University of Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil.|b Human Performance Laboratory , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5632-8994
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Diefenthaeler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004550:Elbow / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D019415:Torque; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Martial arts; muscle strength dynamometer; rate of force development; torque