Identification of mechanical consequences of jumper's knee by
isokinetic concentric torque measurement in elite basketball players
Issue title: Selected papers and Abstracts of the "XXXIVèmes Entretiens de Mèdecine Physique et
Réadaptation", Isokinetics 2007: An update, Montpellier, France, March 2007
Abstract: Jumper's knee is a major reason of competition interruption for
elite basketball players. This is due to the patellar tendinosis which explains
knee pain and the decreased strength of knee extensors required for performing
the jump. The aim of this study was to determine whether isokinetic parameters
could identify competitive sportsmen who suffered from jumper's knee. The
bilateral knee concentric strength of fifty seven elite basketball players was
measured using a Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer at 60, 180 and
240°/s and during a longer test (15 × 180°/s). From
this population, fifteen competitive basketball players with unilateral
jumper's knee (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment score: 62 ± 12) were
compared with 42 control cases (VISA score: 93 ± 6). A knee extensors
asymmetry at 60°/s of more than 10% identified the injured
basketball players and represented the more useful parameter (probability of
66%). The fatigue isokinetic test at 180°/s was not informative.
Injured athletes knee flexors strength was not different from the uninjured
players. We conclude that concentric isokinetic evaluation of knee extensors at
60°/s indicate knee extensors torque asymmetry which may play a role
in jumper's knee pathology.
