ISOKINETIC STRENGTH AND JOINT MOBILITY IN BODYBUILDERS AND OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTERS

The aim of this study was to examine whether strength training-induced hypertrophy is followed by increased isokinetic muscle strength, and whether resistance training has a negative effect on joint mobility, i n bodybuilders (BB) and Olympic weightlifters (WL). The peak torque va lues of the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) were measured in 13 WL, 10 BB and 12 sedentary (SED) subjects using a Cybex IT isokinetic dyna mometer at 12, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 300 degrees/s. Mobility of the kne e and hip joints was measured with a modified Leighton flexometer. WL produced higher (P < 0.005) Q peak torque values as compared to SED su bjects. However, the SED individuals had greater (P < 0.01) mobility i n knee flexion than the WL and BE. The BE were significantly (P < 0.01 ) less mobile in hip abduction compared to WL and SED subjects. In con clusion muscle hypertrophy coincided with increased Q isokinetic stren gth only in WL but hindered knee joint mobility in both groups of athl etes. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.