Knee muscles isokinetic evaluation in short distance elite swimmers: A comparison between symmetric and asymmetric swimming styles

Objective: To compare knee extension-flexion isokinetic performance between elite swimmers of simultaneous (SS – butterfly and breaststroke) and alternated swimming (AS – front crawl and backstroke) styles. Method: Nineteen short distance elite swimmers (50 m, 100 m and 200 m events), divided into SS (n=7; 23.3 ± 5.6 years) and AS (n=12; 22.6 ± 1.4 years) were tested for knee extension-flexion isokinetic strength at 60°/s (4 repetitions) and endurance at 300°/s (30 repetitions). Results: There were no significant differences between groups or legs for concentric knee extension and flexion variables. However, the agonist/antagonist (HQ) ratio was lower (p=0.032) in AS than SS group for both legs. Conclusion: These results indicate the need for training programs to improve strength balance between hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in short distance elite swimmers.