Affiliations: [a] Department of Exercise Science, University of Rostock,
Rostock, Germany
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Martin Behrens, Department of
Exercise Science, University of Rostock, Ulmenstrasse 69, 18057 Rostock,
Germany. Tel.: +49 3814982760; E-mail: martin.behrens@uni-rostock.de
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a
combined sensorimotor – resistance training on muscle strength and
neuromuscular activation of selective muscles of the right ankle joint. Both
treatments were performed successively in each training session. Seven short
track speed skaters participated in the study. The training was performed twice
a week for 12 weeks. Maximum peak torque during inversion/eversion, the
associated neuromuscular activation of soleus and peroneus longus as well as
eversion/inversion ratio were measured in a pre- and post-test, respectively.
After the training the athletes revealed a significantly increased maximum peak
torque during inversion (17.47 ± 4.37N · m vs. 23.57 ±
3.58N ˙ m; p =0.006) associated with a significantly increased root mean
square of the EMG signal in the soleus (12.42 ± 6.09mV vs. 24.00
± 9.37mV; p = 0.009). The eversion/inversion ratio was significantly
decreased after training (0.96 ± 0.12 vs. 0.77 ± 0.11; p =
0.034). Eversion training adaptations were lower than inversion training
adaptations probably due to the fact that resistance training did not contain
an exercise for peroneus longus. Based on these the combined
sensorimotor-resistance training is an attractive option for athletes where
maximum strength, active joint stabilization and postural control plays a
decisive role.
Keywords: Sensorimotor training, resistance training, maximum peak torque, ankle joint
