Isokinetic muscular performance of the quadriceps in elite ice hockey players

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Abstract
On four occasions during a period of 17 months, iso kinetic maximum knee extensor output (peak torque and contractional work) and input (integrated electro myographic activity) during single and repetitive con tractions were measured in 10 male elite ice hockey players. The tests were performed in the middle and at the end of the competitive season, and after two off ice training periods involving different types of training. No significant changes in peak torque at single max imum contractions occurred for the whole group of players during the investigation. Nor did the slope of decline in contractional work or the plateau level of the ratio of contractional work:integrated electromyo graphic activity during repetitive contractions change significantly. The most obvious finding was great inter individual differences in muscular performance. Intrain dividually, changes in both peak torque as well as in slope of decline in contractional work and in plateau level of the ratio of contractional work:integrated elec tromyographic activity occurred during the different training periods. We conclude that local muscle adap tations, measured by isokinetic procedures, occur in the quadriceps as a result of ordinary training and games in elite ice hockey players. Because of the great interindividual differences in muscular performance and the different responses to similar training, we suggest individual programs for leg muscle training in ice hockey players.