Isometric and isokinetic knee joint performance in Japanese alpine ski racers

Isometric and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric, strength of alpine skiers with different performance levels were measured. Nine national (elite, EG) and 10 collegiate (trained, TG) female alpine skiers (16 to 23 years of age) performed maximal voluntary knee extension and flexion. Peak torque was measured at an angular velocity of 30 deg.s-1. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstring muscles) was determined by an ultrasonic method. No significant differences in anthropometric variables and CSA were observed between EG and TG. EG had significantly greater (p < 0.01 for extensors and p < 0.05 for flexors) eccentric knee extensor and flexor strength than that of TG whereas no significant differences were noted in isometric and concentric strength. Eccentric strength/CSA ratio was also higher for EG than for TG. It was suggested that knee extension and flexion strength during eccentric muscle action might be related to the performance level of alpine skiers.