Affiliations: [a] Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of
Medicine, University of São Paulo, Laboratory of Kinesiology, São Paulo, Brazil
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Leonardo L.B.Secchi, Instituto de
Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Laboratório de Estudos do Movimento, Rua Dr.
Ovídio Pires de Campos, 333 Ala C, Cerqueira César, CEP: 05403-010
São Paulo-SP, Brasil. E-mail: leobfisio@usp.br
Abstract: Objective: To compare knee extension-flexion isokinetic performance
between elite swimmers of simultaneous (SS – butterfly and breaststroke) and
alternated swimming (AS – front crawl and backstroke) styles. Method: Nineteen short distance elite swimmers (50 m, 100 m and 200 m events), divided
into SS (n=7; 23.3 ± 5.6 years) and AS (n=12; 22.6 ± 1.4 years)
were tested for knee extension-flexion isokinetic strength at 60°/s (4
repetitions) and endurance at 300°/s (30 repetitions). Results: There were no significant differences between groups or legs for concentric
knee extension and flexion variables. However, the agonist/antagonist (HQ)
ratio was lower (p=0.032) in AS than SS group for both legs. Conclusion: These results indicate the need for training programs to improve
strength balance between hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in short distance elite swimmers.
