Manifestations of symmetry and asymmetry of the peak torque produced by the muscles responsible for rotational movements among Judo competitors, representatives of the National Teams of Poland and Belgium

Functional asymmetry only recently has been subject to complex studies [1,2]. Despite the long tradition of the symmetry and asymmetry measurements at research centers in many countries, the collected material pertains mainly to morphological asymmetry [3]. A huge progress in athletic performance, practically in all sport disciplines indicates that competitors are about to reach the limit of human potential [4]. In order to win the competitions of nowadays it is necessary to seek more perfect solutions and to implement innovative studies on human body diagnosing and potential. This can be achieved through the analysis of strength potential in the aspect of symmetry [5]. Judo is a discipline allowing such observations [6], therefore the analysis of symmetry of strength potential in judo elite competitors in Europe seems interesting. Bio me chanical measurements of technique performance have been analyzed for many years, both in Poland and worldwide and are focused mainly on extension and flexion movements in multiple joints. However, no analysis of rotational movements, e.g. of the trunk, which are extremely important for technique implementation, has been reported to date. Sacripanti [7] in his paper mentions rotational movement of the trunk as the initial movement for throw performance with the movement in the iliac joint. In the aspect of biomechanics, throws in judo involve actions aimed at provoking rotational movement of the opponent, holding at the same time their uniform. Initially, the opponent loses balance, assuming the position enabling the easiest throw performance [8]. The goal of the study was