Isokinetic strength of rotators, flexors and hip extensors is strongly related to front kick dynamics in military professionals
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the regression model between kicking performance and the isokinetic peak net moment of hip rotators, flexors, and hip extensors and flexors at various speeds of contraction. Twenty-five male soldiers (27.7 +- 7.2 yrs, 83.8 +- 6.1 kg, 180.5 +- 6.5 cm) performed six barefoot front kicks, where impact forces (N) and kick velocity (mBULLET OPERATORs-1) were measured.
The 3D kinematics and isokinetic dynamometry were used to estimate the kick velocity, the isokinetic moment of kicking lower limb hip flexors and extensors (60, 120, 240, 300°BULLET OPERATORs-1), and stance lower limb hip internal and external rotators (30, 90°BULLET OPERATORs-1). Multiple regression showed that we were able to explain approximately the variance of impact force 75% (p = 0.003).
The strength of stance limb internal and external rotators and speed strength of kicking limb hip flexors and extensors are important constraints of kicking performance that should be considered to improve the front kick efficiency.