Relationship between hip rotational range of motion and isokinetic lower limb strength in elite male alpine skiers
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Abstract
This study aims to clarify the intrinsic relationship between the hip joint range of motion and the isokinetic strength of the hip and knee joints among outstanding male alpine skiers. Twenty-one national-level male alpine skiers were selected for this study. The internal and external rotations of the hip joint in prone and weighted positions were evaluated, along with the total range of motion. The maximum torque, peak power, and other hip and knee joint flexion and extension indicators were measured at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec. The results of this study show: (1) There is a negative correlation between the hip joint rotation range in prone and weighted positions and the hip extension and flexion indices in the 60°/sec test; (2) The external rotation angle of the hip joint in the weighted position has a positive correlation with the explosive power of the hip and knee joints in the 180°/sec test; (3) The internal rotation range of the hip joint measured in the prone position has a negative correlation with the total work of hip extension and flexion at 180°/sec and 60°/sec. The results of this study indicate that when evaluating the athletic qualities of alpine skiers, the angular velocity differences between the hip joint range of motion and lower limb muscle strength must be taken into consideration. The range of external rotation angle of the hip joint in the weighted position can be used as an important indicator for evaluating the explosive power of the hip and knee joints. In addition, during training, priority should be given to the dynamic balance of hip joint flexibility and stability.
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