Analysis of the Response Speed of Musculature of the Knee in Professional Male and Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the normalized response speed (Vrn) of the knee musculature (flexor and extensor) in high competitive level volleyball players using tensiomyography (TMG) and to analyze the muscular response of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) in accordance with the specific position they play in their teams. One hundred and sixty-six players (83 women and 83 men) were evaluated. They belonged to eight teams in the Spanish women's superleague and eight in the Spanish men's superleague. The use of Vrn allows avoiding possible sample imbalances due to anatomical and functional differences and demands. We found differences between Vrn in each of the muscles responsible for extension (VM, RF, and VL) and flexion (BF) regardless of the sex. Normalized response speed differences seem to be larger in setters, liberos and outside players compared to middle blockers and larger in males when compared to females. These results of Vrn might respond to the differences in the physical and technical demands of each specific position, showing an improved balance response of the knee extensor and flexor musculature in male professional volleyball players.

Repeated stimulation, inter-stimulus interval and inter-electrode distance alters muscle contractile properties as measured by Tensiomyography

“…Methodological variability exists within previous literature when measuring maximum Dm using TMG, specifically in relation to stimulus amplitude, inter-stimulus interval and inter-electrode distance [ 11 , 30 – 32 ]. Absolute and relative reliability for the stimulus amplitude required to achieve three repeated measures of maximum Dm were considered good (CV; <10%) and excellent (ICC; >0.90) respectively [ 33 ].…”

“…The finding of higher Dm values using an inter-stimulus interval of 10s compared to 30s demonstrates the need for a definitive TMG stimuli scheme regarding inter-stimulus interval. The lack of defined inter-stimulus interval has led to substantial variation of inter-stimulus intervals used in current literature [ 4 , 11 , 30 , 32 , 34 ]. Our study suggests an increase in Dm is associated with a shorter inter-stimulus interval, which may be explained by the phenomenon of post activation potentiation.…”

Acute Effect of a Foam Roller on the Mechanical Properties of the Rectus Femoris Based on Tensiomyography in Soccer Players

“…Some authors have used TMG to assess the immediate effect on the muscle properties after various activities, such as high-volume and high-load training [26] or kinesio taping [27], and to test the immediate and prolonged effects of recovery strategies [28,29]. Several authors have evaluated the rectus femoris in their investigations, being probably the most employed muscle using TMG [21,[28][29][30][31][32][33].…”

Assessment of isokinetic muscle function in Korea male volleyball athletes

“…Further, this technique also allows for evaluating the strength in relation to BW. Moreover, the exercise speed can be increased as the muscle strength increases in order to allow for a gradually increasing intensity during exercise and training (Gilliam et al, 1979; James et al, 2014; Kim and Youn, 2005; Rodríguez-Ruiz et al, 2014; Rosene et al, 2001). …”