ISOKINETIC MUSCLE TRAINING OF YOUNG ATHLETES

The primary aim of this study was to increase the strength of the upper leg musculature using a specific, 4-week isokinetic training programme. The study sample consisted of 16 male track and field athletes between 21-34 years of age. The athletes were subjected to a specific isokinetic training programme, performed on the Easytech prima DOC isokinetic dynamometer. After the initial testing, training regimen was individualized according to the athletes' abilities. Statistical analyses of the differences between the initial vs. final testing revealed an increase in muscle strength of the upper leg at the level of significance p= .00. The athletes' post-training trial demonstrated improved results in the strength of both knee extensors and flexors, which led us to conclude that statistically significant increases of the upper-leg musculature had indeed occurred as a result of the specific isokinetic training programme.