Isokinetic Strength of the Dominant and Non-Dominant Elbow in Elite Male Volleyball Players

The purpose of this research is to compare the elbow isokinetic strength applied at different angular velocities on the dominant and non-dominant side in elite male volleyball players. Fifteen elite volleyball players participated in the research. Isokinetic elbow flexion and extension strength were separately obtained on concentric/concentric dominant and non-dominant side as 5 repetitions at 60 degrees .s[superscript -1] angular velocity, 10 repetitions at 180 degrees .s[superscript -1] and 15 repetitions at 300 degrees .s[superscript -1]. In the research, the peak torque (PT), peak torque/body weight (PT/BW), flexion/extension ratio (B/T), angle of PT, work and power parameters were compared between the dominant and non-dominant elbows. No significant difference was found between the dominant and non-dominant side in the elbow isokinetic strength parameters of the subjects at three different velocities. A significant difference was found at three different velocities only in the angle of PT flexion (p < 0.05). It is thought that this difference may result from the muscle shortening that may occur on muscle length (longitudinal effect) as a result of the more concentric contraction of the muscle on the dominant side compared to the non-dominant muscle. Consequently, there is not any isokinetic strength difference between the dominant and non-dominant elbow in elite male volleyball players. Isokinetic elbow test can provide important information regarding the potential risk factors for elbow injuries. For this reason, it is recommended to include this test in the functional screening of volleyball players.