Isokinetic Strength Evaluation and Interpretation in Terms of Sportive Performance
Chapter from the book:
Alaeddinoğlu,
V.
&
Kishalı,
N.
F.
&
Dertli,
M.
E.
(eds.)
2024.
Research on Training and Exercise in Sport.
Synopsis
Sporting performance encompasses a variety of parameters, including physical, physiological, psychological, mental, and technical-tactical aspects, all of which are interconnected in a complex manner. The physical parameters of athletes serve as the foundation for other performance factors. Among these, strength is considered the most important. Strength generates the mechanical energy required to activate the skeleton and joints, thus enabling movement. Since it is a critical component of the musculoskeletal system, it directly influences various performance parameters. Through strength testing of athletes, training monitoring and updates, strength imbalances, rehabilitation progress, and potential sports injury risks can be assessed. Strength measurements can be conducted using a variety of methods, with isokinetic strength platforms being the most commonly used and reliable in providing data. Isokinetic platforms perform both static and dynamic tests for different types of muscle contractions. Additionally, functional evaluations such as endurance, fatigue index, maximal strength, relative strength, power, and relative power are obtained. Moreover, they allow for proprioception-related tests, which are essential for athletic performance. As a result of these tests, coaches, athletic performance specialists, and strength and conditioning coaches are provided with crucial information, which plays a key role in updating periodization and training planning for peak performance.