Monitoring of the flexor-extensor musculature of the knee in high-performance female volleyball players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe, through TMG, the changes produced in the mechanical characteristics of the musculature responsible for the flexo-extension of the knee joint: before and after a training period, in highly competitive female volleyball players. The sample studied was included 16 female volleyball players (age 20,3 ± 1,7 years; weight: 67,75 ± 9,13 kg.; height: 178,2 ± 7,1 cm.; BMI: 21,41 ± 1,75 kg/m2) from two Spanish Super-league teams. The results show clear differences in the pre-post values of all parameters: Jump Height, Normalized response speed (Vrn), Maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly (Dm), Delay Time (Td), Sustain Time (Ts), and Relaxation Time (Tr). The Vrn values of VL (p=<0.001; ES=1.11) were statistically significant, and a statistical trend can bewas also seen in the Vm values of RF (p=0.117; ES=0.69). We can conclude that TMG is sensitive enough to detect changes in the knee musculature of high-performance female volleyball players after a season training period.
Keywords: Tensiomyography, Volleyball, Muscle response, Jump