Isokinetic Test

This study aims to investigate the relationships among pulmonary function, aerobic performance, anaerobic performance, and isokinetic trunk muscle performance in professional male wrestlers. Wrestling requires a combination of high muscular strength, repeated high-intensity efforts, aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, and effective trunk muscle function. However, the relationships among these physiological and muscular performance characteristics have not been fully established in professional wrestlers. This single-center, analytical, cross-sectional observational study will include approximately 28 professional male wrestlers aged 18-35 years who have been actively participating in licensed wrestling for at least 5 years and who meet the predefined eligibility criteria. Participants will undergo anthropometric assessment, pulmonary function testing by spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing with respiratory gas analysis, Wingate anaerobic testing, and isokinetic assessment of trunk muscle performance. Pulmonary function parameters will be obtained from spirometry. Aerobic capacity will be evaluated using maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Anaerobic performance will be assessed using the Wingate test, while trunk flexor and extensor muscle performance will be evaluated using isokinetic dynamometry. The study will primarily examine the relationship between pulmonary function parameters and isokinetic trunk muscle performance. Secondary analyses will evaluate the relationships of pulmonary function and trunk muscle performance with VO₂max and Wingate-derived anaerobic performance parameters.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary structure responsible for controlling anterior-posterior translation and rotational stability of the knee joint. Although ACL reconstruction has long been considered the gold standard among surgical interventions following ACL injury, arthroscopic primary repair techniques have recently regained interest. With advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures, refined patient selection criteria, and improved rehabilitation strategies, the clinical effectiveness of primary repair is once again being re-evaluated. However, there remains a limited body of literature directly comparing the medium- to long-term effects of these two surgical techniques on neuromuscular performance, fatigue tolerance, and functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to comparatively investigate postoperative muscle strength and endurance, isokinetic fatigue response, muscle oxygenation, proprioception, knee stability, postural control, and patient-reported outcome measures in individuals who have undergone ACL reconstruction or primary repair. Assessments will include low- and high-velocity tests performed on the Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer, a 33-repetition fatigue protocol at 300°/s, muscle oxygenation analysis using Train.Red NIRS, knee laxity measurement via the GNRB arthrometer, single-leg balance and landing evaluations using the KFORCE force platform, and subjective outcome measures (IKDC, ACL-RSI). The findings of this study are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how surgical technique influences physiological, biomechanical, and functional outcomes. This knowledge may contribute to the development of individualized rehabilitation approaches and evidence-based return-to-sport criteria.

Achilles tendinopathy is a frequent overuse disorder caused by repetitive loading of the tendon, particularly observed in athletes and middle-aged men. It is typically characterized by mid-portion pain, stiffness in the morning, and functional limitations, with structural alterations such as thickening and disrupted collagen alignment. Chronic progression often compromises performance and quality of life. Eccentric training protocols, such as the Alfredson regimen, are commonly prescribed but their standardized nature does not fully address individual variability. Alternative approaches including Heavy Slow Resistance training and progressive loading models (e.g., Silbernagel protocol) have demonstrated clinical effectiveness and higher patient adherence, yet they still apply uniform loading across the triceps surae without accounting for architectural differences. Given the heterogeneous structure of the soleus and gastrocnemii, targeted loading strategies may be required to optimize tendon adaptation. To address this, the present study employs a muscle architecture-based exercise program tailored to the functional and structural properties of each muscle. Ultrasound imaging will be used to evaluate muscle-tendon morphology, while isokinetic dynamometry and functional performance tests will quantify outcomes. Pain (VAS) and functional capacity (VISA-A) will also be assessed. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of an architecture-specific program with the Alfredson protocol on tendon remodeling, strength, endurance, functional performance, and symptom reduction in individuals with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

This study aims to investigate the effects of fatigue induced by isokinetic exercise on passive and active joint position sense in postmenopausal women diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis). A healthy control group matched for age and sex will also be included for comparative analysis. Participants will undergo proprioceptive assessments before and after an isokinetic fatigue protocol. We hypothesize that (1) fatigue will impair both passive and active joint position sense in patients with gonarthrosis, (2) active joint position sense will be more affected than passive sense, and (3) the deterioration in proprioception will be greater in the gonarthrosis group compared to healthy controls.