Quadriceps and Hamstrings Isokinetic evaluation in Ju-jitsu Athletes

Abstract

The ju-jitsu is a self-defence martial art based on the principle of defeating the adversary by surrendering to him and subjugating him by his own force. Athletes of contact sports such as soccer, basketball and mainly the fights like the ju-jitsu have in common frequent knee injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic response during flexion and extension of both knees in ju-jitsu athletes, since these articulations are often requested in this sport practice. This transversal study took place between September and November, 2002 in an academy located in Fortaleza. Fifteen ju-jitsu athletes took part in it as the research subjects, all being male, in the age group of 15 to 30 years old and with 6 months to 10 years practice. The knee extensors and flexors were evaluated by means of a Isokinetic Dynamometer Cybex Ortothron II. The obtained data revealed the presence of muscular imbalance in those athletes, thus becoming clear the importance of a physical conditioning work for the prevention of lesions due to muscular disharmony.