Gain in thigh muscle strength after balance training in male and female judokas

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Heitkamp, Hans-Christian^a | Mayer, Frank^b | Fleck, Mark^a | Horstmann, Thomas^a

Affiliations: [a] Clinical Medicine, Department of Sports Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany | [b] Clinical Medicine, Department of Preventive and Sports Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Clinical Medicine, Dept. Sports Medicine, Silcherstr. 5, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany. Tel.: +49 7071 2986493; Fax: +49 7071 295162; E-mail: hans-christian.heitkamp@med.uni-tuebingen.de

Abstract: In a previous study, balance training yielded a gain in strength in middle-aged men and women [6]. However, whether such training can yield positive results in highly conditioned athletes has not been addressed. A group of 10 male and 10 female judokas volunteered for a 6-week balance training on rolling boards, pegtops, soft mats and large rubber balls 3 times per week. Pre- and post training of two-legged balance was measured on a stabilometer, one-legged standing time on a narrow rim and bilateral isokinetic strength at 60°/s concentric and eccentric modes, 120°/s concentric mode and isometrically for the knee extensors and flexors. Except for concentric movement at 60°/s in women, significant improvements in strength were indicated. It is therefore concluded that balance training may be useful for both male and female judokas for increasing strength and balance.

Keywords: judo, balance, knee extensors, knee flexors

DOI: 10.3233/IES-2002-0104

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 199-202, 2002