VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF LOWER EXTREMITY MUSCLES IN HIGHLY TRAINED MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNERS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

Aim. To study the viscoelastic properties of the calf (lateral head, LHCM) and rectus femoris muscle (RFM) in highly trained middle distance runners with intellectual disabilities. Materials and methods. Viscoelastic properties, including tone, stiffness, elasticity, relaxation time, and fluidity, of the calf and rectus femoris muscles were evaluated in 11 female and 13 male highly trained middle-distance runners with mild mental retardation. Results. The results obtained showed differences in tone (RFM, right) and stiffness (RFM) in both male and female athletes. The results obtained for RFM were higher than those for LHCM, which may indicate different functional reserves of these muscles. The relaxation time was lower in RFM than in LHCM. Elasticity and fluidity values were not significantly different between the study groups and the muscles under study. Conclusion. As a result of the study, quantitative data on the viscoelastic properties of the calf and rectus femoral muscles were obtained in highly trained middle-distance runners with intellectual disabilities. With respect to previously published data, middle-distance runners demonstrate higher values of RFM tone, stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation time when compared to short-distance runners. However, the data obtained is not sufficient to be considered a marker of an efficient muscular apparatus in the study group. In further studies, the nosological and sports-related features of viscoelastic properties will be explored.