Comparison and Analysis of Isokinetic Strength in Elite Junior Triathletes and Cyclists

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare differences in the peak torque, peak power, hamstring/quadriceps muscles ratio and range of motion between Turkey National Junior Team cyclists and triathletes. Seven triathletes (age 16.88±0.64 yr) and 8 cyclists (age 17.38±0.52 yr) were recruited to the study. Measurements of lower-extremity knee-joint movement were made with an isokinetic dynamometer at velocities 60 and 240°·s -1 . No significant differences were noted between the groups in the right hamstring and quadriceps at velocities of 60° . s -1 and 240° . s -1 . However, a significant difference was observed between the left limbs of the athletes at a velocity of 60° . s -1 in the hamstring PT, the hamstring average curve, the hamstring/quadriceps ratio and the hamstring/weight ratio. The cyclists exhibited higher differences compared to the triathletes in hamstring/weight, quadriceps/weight, hamstring peak torque, hamstring peak torque angle, hamstring average curve, hamstring peak power, hamstring average power, quadriceps peak torque and quadriceps average curve of the left limbs at a velocity of 240° . s -1 . The triathletes' left and right limb range of motion was significantly increased compared with the cyclists’ left and right limbs a t a velocity of 240° . s -1 . In conclusion, cyclists produced isokinetic strength at shorter hamstring and quadriceps muscle fiber lengths and larger peak torque angles compared with triathletes.