Does the Early and Late Rate of Torque Development, Change in Relation to the Quadriceps Angle?

Abstract

The rate of torque development (RTD), which determines the force that can be developed in the early phase of muscle contraction (0-200 ms), is very important in terms of tracking explosive strength improvement and preventing knee injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of quadriceps angle which affects the structural alignment of the lower extremity with early (0-100 ms) and late (100-200 ms) rate of torque development of the knee extensor muscles and myoelectrical activity. The study was carried out with 38 well-trained male basketball players (mean age: 22.3±2.5 years). The participants were divided into two groups with normal (<11°) and abnormal (>10°) values. RTD was measured in concentric/concentric mode at 60, 120 and 180°/s angular velocities in an isokinetic dynamometer. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to determine the myoelectrical activity. When RTD_0-100 and RTD_100-200 were examined, statistically significant difference was observed at 60 and 120°/s (p<0.05). However, no difference was observed at 180°/s. In addition, sEMG data did not have a statistically significant difference between groups. Negative correlation was found between all RTD at 60, 10 and 180°/s with Q angle (180°/s RTD_0-100 r= -0.34, 180°/s RTD_100-200 r= -0.35, 120°/s RTD_0-100 r= -0.40, 120°/s RTD_100-200 r= -0.48, 60°/s RTD_0-100 r= -0.55, 60°/s RTD_100-200 r= -0.59; p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the structural differences of the lower extremity and the early and late rate of torque development of the knee extensor muscles. Considering the structural variables, it is thought that it is important to improve the rate of torque development with appropriate resistance training in athletes with variables such as abnormal Q angle, and thus knee injuries can be prevented through athletic development.