EISSN

ISSN 1519-9088
1676-5133

Comparative study of isokinetic variables of the

knee in taekwondo and kickboxing athletes

Susane Moreira Machado1 susanetkd@hotmail.com

Renato Aparecido de Souza1,2 tatosouza2004@yahoo.com.br
Adriano Prado Simão2 adrianopsimao@ig.com.br
Diego Pereira Jerônimo1 diego-jeronimo@hotmail.com
Newton Soares da Silva1 nsoares@univap.br
Rodrigo Aléxis Lazo Osorio1 ralo@univap.br
Marcio Magini3 mmagini@hotmail.com

doi:10.3900/fpj.8.6.407.e

Machado SM, Souza RA, Simão AP, Jerônimo DP, Silva NS, Osório RAL, Magini M. Comparative study of isokinetic variables of the knee in
taekwondo and kickboxing athletes. Fit Perf J. 2009 Nov-Dec;8(6):407-11.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare isokinetic variables of the knee such as peak torque
and relative balance of agonist/antagonist of knee flexors and extensors between athletes of kickboxing (KB) and
taekwondo (TKD). Materials and Methods: Ten male athletes from martial arts were included in this study
(18±3 years old, 1.75±9cm and 65±10kg): five TKD athletes and five KB athletes. The assessment of peak torque
and relative muscle balance was performed using the Biodex Multi-joint System 3 dynamometer. Data analysis
was performed by means of non-parametric statistics (Mann-Whitney test) with statistical significance at p<0.05.
Results: This study showed no differences in peak torque and relative balance of agonist/antagonist of the sports
examined. Furthermore, it was found in all assessed athletes a difference of less than 10% when compared the
peak torque between the right and the left lowers limbs and a difference of less than 50 to 80% in the ipsilateral
quadriceps, harmstrings ratio. Discussion: This information suggests that athletes of TKD and KB have similar
conditions of strength and low risk of musculoskeletal injury associated with the knee joint.

KEYWORDS
Martial Arts; Muscle Strenght Dynamometer; Musculoskeletal System.
1
Universidade do Vale do Paraíba – UNIVAP – Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento – IP&D – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil
2
Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri – UFVJM – Diamantina/MG – Brazil
3
Universidade Camilo Castelo Branco – UNICASTELO – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil

Copyright© 2009 by Colégio Brasileiro de Atividade Física, Saúde e Esporte

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Fit Perf J. 2009 Nov-Dec;8(6):407-11. 407

M achado , S ouza , S imão , J erônimo , S ilva , O sorio , M agini

Estudo comparativo de variáveis isocinéticas do joelho em atletas de taekwondo e kickboxing

RESUMO
Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar variáveis isocinéticas do joelho, tais como pico de torque e relação de equilíbrio agonista/
antagonista, entre atletas de taekwondo (TKD) e kickboxing (KB). Materiais e Métodos: Foram incluídos dez atletas de artes marciais do sexo
masculino (18±3 anos, 1,75±9cm e 65±10kg): cinco atletas de taekwondo e cinco atletas de kickboxing. Foi realizada avaliação do pico de
torque e relação de equilíbrio agonista/antagonista de flexores e extensores de joelho bilateralmente (dinamômetro Biodex Multi-joint System 3).
A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de estatística não paramétrica (teste Mann-Whitney), adotando-se significância estatística de p<0,05.
Resultados: Os resultados não indicaram diferenças no pico de torque e relação de equilíbrio agonista/antagonista entre as modalidades
esportivas analisadas. Além disso, verificou-se em todos os atletas uma diferença menor que 10% quando comparados os picos de torque entre
membro inferior direito e esquerdo e uma diferença de isquiotibiais menor que 50 a 80% em relação ao quadríceps ipsilateral. Discussão: Essas
informações sugerem que os atletas de TKD e KB da amostra analisada apresentaram condições de força semelhantes e baixo risco de lesão
musculoesquelética associada à articulação de joelho.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE
Artes Marciais; Dinamômetro de Força Muscular; Sistema Musculosquelético.

Estudio comparativo de las variables isocinéticas de la rodilla en los deportistas de Taekwondo y kickboxing
RESUMEN
Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las variables isocinética de la rodilla, como el par máximo y relativo equilibrio de agonistas/
antagonistas de los flexores y extensores de la rodilla, entre los deportistas de taekwondo (TKD) y kickboxing (KB). Materiales y Métodos: Se
incluye diez atletas de las artes marciales de lo sexo masculino (18±3 años, 1,75±9 cm y 65±10 kg): 5 atletas de TKD y 5 KB de los atletas. El
evaluación de par máximo y la relación de equilibrio agonista/antagonista de los músculos flexores y extensores de la rodilla bilateral se realizo
utilizando dinamómetro Biodex Multi-joint System 3. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadísticas no paramétricas (Mann-Whitney),
con significación estadística de p<0.05. Resultados: Este estudio no mostró diferencias en el pico de torsión y equilibrio relativo de agonista/
antagonista de los deportes examinados. Además, se ha constatado en todos los atletas a prueba una diferencia inferior al 10%, si se compara el
pico de torsión entre la derecha y la izquierda reduce extremidades y una diferencia de menos de 50 a 80% en el cuádriceps ipsilateral, harmstrings
relación. Discusión: Esta información sugiere que los atletas de TKD y KB en este estudio tienen la misma condición de la fuerza y bajo riesgo de
lesiones musculoesqueléticas relacionadas con la articulación de la rodilla.

PALABRAS CLAVE
Artes Marciales; Dinamómetro de Fuerza Muscular; Sistema Musculoesquelético.

INTRODUCTION The use of results of an isokinetic assessment renders

The assessment through isokinetic dynamometry has
been used for the past decades as a method for deter-
mining the functional pattern of strength and muscle bal-
ance mainly through the ‘peak torque’ and ‘agonist/an-
tagonist relative balance’ isokinetic variables1. The peak
torque represents the point of highest torque in a given
amplitude of the analyzed articular movement2. For a
better study of this isokinetic variable, normally a velocity
of 60º/s is used, since the lowest the angular velocity,
the highest the torque3. The agonist/antagonist relative
balance represents an adequate form of identifying the
proportion and, consequently, the muscle balance1. Re-
garding the relation between the flexors/extensors peak
torque on the healthy articulation of the knee, normally a
difference of 50 to 80% is verified4.
possible a new tool and strategy for the restructuring of
the sports training plan, as it allows an accurate iden-
tification of the muscular function5. Furthermore, refer-
ence values for the muscular function can be determined,
particularly predicting the risk of injuries6,7. However, the
sport activity and the level of physical conditioning may
constitute determining factors on the adequate interpre-
tation of isokinetic results, that is, the functional demand
imposed to the muscle tissue properties on athletes of
distinct modalities lead to different expressions of these
results. In this sense, the isokinetic studies which verify the
muscular function between the various sports modalities
are justified.
Few attention has been paid to the muscle perfor-
mance of martial arts athletes. Two modalities are of

408 Fit Perf J. 2009 Nov-Dec;8(6):407-11.


special interest to this study and should be highlighted:
taekwondo (TKD) and kickboxing (KB).
TKD, whose meaning translates into “the path of feet
and hands through the mind”, is of Korean origin and
became an official Olympic sport in 2000, at the Sidney
Games8. TKD competition athletes use mainly fast and
high-amplitude kicks in the opponent’s torso and head,
demanding intense use of extensor and flexor muscles
of the knee. This way, the specific literature has been in-
dicating a relative frequency of muscle injuries in active
athletes9. On the other hand, KB is of North American
origin and allows full contact between opponents dur-
ing the competition. Currently, it is considered a highly
popular sport, with an estimate of 1 million practitioners
worldwide10. During this sport practice, athletes execute
and undergo several blows, such as kicks and hand,
elbow and knee punches. Although these two modali-
ties intensely demand the recruitment of the muscles in-
volved in the kicking, up to now, it has not been found
any information in the specific literature regarding the
use of isokinetic dynamometry to the muscle assessment
of these athletes.
Taking into account the aforementioned and the lack
of scientific works involving martial arts athletes, this
study’s proposal was to compare isokinetic variables of
the knee, such as torque peak and the agonist/antago-
nist relative balance among TKD and KB athletes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sample
For convenience, ten male martial arts athletes were
selected, with an average age of 18±3 years, height of
1.75±9 cm, total body mass of 65±10 kg and body
mass index (BMI) of 21±3. In order to analyze the data,
the sample was divided into two experimental groups,
regarding the practiced modality: TKD (n=5) and KB
(n=5). The average of previous training time of these
athletes was 5±1 years for TKD and 2±1 years for the
KB group. For the sample selection, the inclusion criteria
adopted were the inexistence of any musculoskeletal in-
jury, the capacity to perform the experimental tests, and
to practice TKD or KB from two to three times a week
in order to participate in State competitions. Volunteers
who had shown any kind of muscle injury in the past six
months and who practiced TKD or KB as a recreational
activity were excluded from the sample.
After being explained about the purpose of the study
and the procedures to which they would be submitted,
the volunteers signed the Informed Consent Form. This
study complied with the rules of realization of experi-
ments involving human beings, according to the spe-
Fit Perf J. 2009 Nov-Dec;8(6):407-11.
T aekwondo and kickboxing
cific resolution of the National Health Counsel (number
196/96) and had the approval of the Ethics and Re-
search Committee of the Universidade Federal dos Vales
do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), under the protocol
number H307/2007.
Instrumentation
The Biodex Multi-joint System 3 isokinetic dynamom-
eter (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., New York, USA) was
used to measure the knee muscular function (torque
peak and the agonist/antagonist relative balance) at the
angular velocity of 60º/s.
Isokinetic dynamometry
Before the tests, the athletes performed an ergomet-
ric bicycle warm-up for ten minutes. After warm-up, the
athletes were duly placed on the isokinetic chair in the
seating position, with an 85º torso inclination and both
thighs accommodated on the seat. The dynamometer’s
torque arm was positioned parallel to the athletes’ leg,
the resistor was distally fixed and the device’s axis was
aligned with the knee axis. In the dynamometer chair,
athletes were secured through the use of seat belts on
the thorax and pelvis, as well as on the thigh of the limb
to be tested. The other limb remained steady due to a
belt which was adapted to the chair. Gravity force was
then corrected, once the athlete’s performance on the
test implies motion against strength gravity11. Each ath-
lete performed 15 repetitions at 60º/s for the concentric
flexo-extension of the knee, in order to obtain the ‘peak
torque’ and the agonist/antagonist relative balance’ vari-
ables. Only the five first repetitions were analyzed, taking
into account the fact that the other repetitions were used
on the fatigue analysis. The 60o/s angular velocity was
chosen due to the fact that greater torque generation can
be obtained through low velocities, therefore obtaining
a performance that is closer to the athlete’s maximum
muscular performance11. The amplitude of the test was
limited to 100o, starting at 110o for flexion and finish-
ing at 10º for knee flexion. The amplitude of complete
extension was limited to avoid the ischiotibials’ passive
insufficiency effect. All tests were carried out with a stan-
dard verbal stimulus, in order to motivate the athletes’
maximum effort during the process.
Isokinetic variables
The assessment of the ‘peak torque’ and ‘agonist/
antagonist relative balance of knee flexors and extensors’
isokinetic variables was initially made on the right limb
and, once finished, on the left limb. The peak torque is
expressed in Newton x meter (N.m) and represents the
biggest torque of the athletes’ knee articulation. The
agonist/antagonist relative balance represents the ratio
409
M achado , S ouza , S imão , J erônimo , S ilva , O sorio , M agini

between the peak torque of the knee flexors/extensors
expressed as a percentage (%), that is, the absolute value
of ischiotibials peak torque divided by the quadriceps
peak torque, multiplied by 100.
Statistical analysis
For the results analysis, the Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS), version 11.0 was used. The fol-
lowing comparisons between TKD and KB athletes were
made: extensor peak torque of the right lower limb,
flexor peak torque of the right lower limb, extensor
peak torque of the left lower limb, flexor peak torque of
the left lower limb, agonist/antagonist relative balance
of the right lower limb and agonist/antagonist relative
balance of the left lower limb. The Mann-Whitney test
was used for the comparison of the independent sam-
ples (TKD x KB). The adopted statistical significance
was p<0.05.
RESULTS
The mean values and standard deviations (mean±sd)
for the torque peak variable are presented on Table 1.
Table 1 - Mean peak torque of right (extensor peak
torque of the right lower limb) and left (extensor peak
torque of the left lower limb) knee extensor muscles, and
right (flexor peak torque of the right lower limb) and left
(flexor peak torque of the left lower limb) knee flexor
muscles of taekwondo (TKD) and kickboxing (KB) athletes
Peak torque (N.m) TKD (n=5)
Extensor peak torque of
157.23±25.34
the right lower limb
Extensor peak torque of
the left lower limb
155.53±17.78
Flexor peak torque of the
89.21±13.03
right lower limb
Flexor peak torque of the
88.13±12.97
left lower limb
Agonist/antagonist knee relation
Significant differences (p>0.05) were not identified when
bilaterally comparing knee flexors and extensors between
the two martial arts modalities. Furthermore, the follow-
ing observations could be made: a) the mean difference
between extensor peak torque of the right lower limb and
extensor peak torque of the left lower limb in TKD and
KB athletes was of 2N.m (2.0%); b) the mean difference
between flexor peak torque of the right lower limb and
flexor peak torque of the left lower limb in TKD athletes
was of 1N.m (1.2%) and c) the mean difference between
flexor peak torque of the right lower limb and flexor peak
torque of the left lower limb in KB athletes was of 3N.m
(4.3%).
Figure 1 presents the agonist/antagonist relation
of the knee, which rendered possible the muscle bal-
ance analysis of this articulation among athletes. It was
observed that TKD athletes present muscle balance of
57±2.3%, both for the right and left lower limbs. KB
athletes presented a balance of 48±2.5% for the right
lower limb and 47±1.8% for the left lower limb, between
the peak torque of flexors and extensors of both left and
right knees, respectively. Significant differences (p>0.05)
could not be found when comparing the obtained values
of each lower limb among TKD and KB athletes.
DISCUSSION
Facing the scarcity of studies on the physical perfor-
mance of martial arts athletes and the real possibility of
KB (n=5) determining the reference values for muscular function,
particularly predicting the risk of injuries through iso-
148.49±32.74
kinetic assessment6,7, the purpose of the present study
146.02±31.67 was to compare the isokinetic variables ‘peak torque’
and ‘agonist/antagonist relation of flexor and extensor
71.76±13.03 knee muscles’ of two distinct modalities: TKD and KB.
It has been established that sports training can cause
68.94±14.93
muscular instability related to flexibility and strength,
raising the risk of injuries12,13. In this sense, Devan et
al.14 have observed that basketball, soccer and grass

70
TKD hockey female players presented a higher risk of knee
60 KB injury when the isokinetic assessment detected: a differ-
50 ence of more than 10% when contralaterally compar-
40 ing ischiotibials and/or quadriceps15 and a difference
of less than 50 to 80% when ipsilaterally comparing
30
ischiotibials and quadriceps16.
20
Pieter and Taaffe, cited by Pieter et al.17, have tested
10 the isokinetic torque peak of professional American TKD
0 athletes and found values for agonist/antagonist knee
Right Left relation that were considered below average, noting
Lower limb that these athletes would have a higher predisposition
for knee injuries. Although no isokinetic study involving
Figure 1 - Agonist/antagonist knee relation in taekwondo KB has been found, it must be taken into account that
(TKD) and kickboxing (KB) athletes: values expressed as a
mean percentage (%) sports modalities involving frequent knee rotations and

410 Fit Perf J. 2009 Nov-Dec;8(6):407-11.


torsional movements are also related to this articulation’s
instability and chronic pain18.
Regarding the peak torque, it was observed that
TKD athletes presented higher peak torque values for
flexors and extensors in comparison to KB athletes (Ta-
ble 1). Although these differences have not been signifi-
cant, it must be taken into consideration that fact that
TKD athletes training time was superior, comparing to
KB athletes (5±1 versus 2±1 years, respectively). In a
study on athletes of other martial arts, Probst et al.12
have observed karate athletes with a minimum experi-
ence of two years, and found mean values of torque
peak (60º/s) for quadriceps (190N.m) and ischiotibi-
als (115N.m) that were higher than those of the ath-
letes of the present study. This fact should be taken into
consideration due to the distinct nature of each martial
arts modality training. While the karate athletes training
imposes significant articulation strength, especially con-
cerning the execution of knee extension exercises – such
as the frontal kick12 –, KB and TKD athletes attribute
to their training certain strategies of blow sequences
(punches and kicks)8,10,19, not emphasizing all the pow-
er and velocity required by the karate athletes.
Another important aspect of the torque peak variable
is the bilateral comparison of knee flexors and extensors
among athletes of the same sport modality. The maxi-
mum difference was of 4.3% for the flexor peak torque
in KB athletes. Considering that this assessment accepts
a difference of up to 10%15, it can be suggested that the
analyzed athletes present an adequate balance between
the right and left ischiotibial muscles and the right and
left quadriceps.
As for the agonist/antagonist balance of knee flexors
and extensors isokinetic variable, it was observed that
the athletes of both modalities presented an adequate
muscle balance bilaterally, that is, a difference of less
than 50 to 80%4,16 (Figure 1). These data seem to dem-
onstrate a low risk of muscle injury by distension in the
studied population. In fact, although the muscle injuries
are relatively frequent in TKD and KB athletes, the most
prevailing injuries in these modalities are the muscle con-
tusions10,13,19.
Lastly, considering that the isokinetic assessment al-
lows the determining of reference values for the muscular
function, the lack of scientific information related to the
analyzed sport modalities and the minimum experience
of two years of the participant athletes, the small and lim-
ited sample has provided pioneer data, guiding not only
these athletes’ training but also possible future studies.
The results have not indicated differences between the
Fit Perf J. 2009 Nov-Dec;8(6):407-11.
T aekwondo and kickboxing
analyzed sport modalities, regarding the ‘peak torque’
and ‘agonist/antagonist knee relation’ isokinetic vari-
ables. Furthermore, the analyzed athletes presented an
adequate muscle balance. These information suggest
that TKD and KB athletes of the analyzed ample have
similar strength conditions and low risk of musculoskel-
etal injury associated to knee articulation.
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Received on: 07/02/09 – Accepted on: 10/17/09
411
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