{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Discipline-specific Torque-Velocity Profiles and Musculotendinous Morphology in Athletes.
{Author}: Cesanelli L;Venckunas T;Ylaitė B;Streckis V;Kamandulis S;Degens H;Satkunskiene D;
{Journal}: J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact
{Volume}: 24
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2024 Jun 1
{Factor}: 1.864
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The aim of this study was to compare torque-velocity profiles, muscle architecture, tendon dimensions, and bilateral-symmetry between competitive cyclists (CY), competitive runners (RN), ice-hockey players (IH), basketball players (BP), and physically-active individuals (CN) (n=10 for each group).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and patellar tendon (PT) structures were determined with B-mode ultrasonography, and maximal knee extensor isokinetic torque was assessed at three different velocities.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Optimal torque and velocity were lower in runners than CY, BP and IH (p<0.05). Maximal power was similar between the athlete groups but greater than CN (p<0.05). Furthermore, RN and BP reached their peak-torque at longer muscle lengths compared to IH and CY (p<0.05). RN had the lowest VL muscle thickness and the greatest fascicle length, while CY had the greatest pennation angle (p<0.05). CY had the greatest PT thickness, particularly at the proximal and medial sites, while BP at the distal point (p<0.05), with similar trends observed for PT cross-sectional-area.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Our findings show that even if power generating capacity is similar between athletic disciplines, there are discipline-specific muscle adaptations, where particularly runners appear to have muscles adapted for speed rather than torque development, while in cyclists, velocity is sacrificed for torque development.