Knee muscular imbalances: effects of the level of physical activity

Abstract

Physical inactivity is associated with reduced functional capacity, and it may affect the general health status of individuals. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare muscle ratios in the knee joint at different velocities between individuals with different levels of physical activity classified by IPAQ (International Questionnaire of Physical Activity). Forty-two participants (men: 20 (47.6%) and women 22 (52.4%)) were separated into three groups by physical activity level from the IPAQ classification, then all assessed extensor and flexor muscle torque in an isokinetic dynamometer with concentric-concentric action, at three different velocities 120 °/s, 180 °/s and 240 °/s. Distinct Anova were applied with post-hoc of Bonferroni, (p<0.05), for analysis of the variables. The level of physical activity did not influence the extensor and flexor peak torque (p> 0.05), as well as the asymmetries were not significant between the groups at any of the velocities (p> 0.05). However, the values observed independent of the level of physical activity are below those recommended for the conventional rate, 0.6 for lower velocities (120 and 180o/s) and 0.8 for higher velocity (240o/s). Although the level of physical activity has not influenced muscular asymmetries, it may be indicated that there is a need for specific training (i.e., strength training) to counteract the reduction of the low values observed in the conventional ratio.