Rodríguez-Ruiz, D., Quiroga, M.E., Rodríguez-Matoso, D., Sarmiento Montesdeoca, S., Losa, J., de Saá Guerra, Y., Perdomo, G., García-Manso, J. M. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte (Brazilian Journal of Sports Medicine), 18 (2), 2012. ISSN 1517-8692.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this investigation is to obtain information about muscle stiffness, the mechanic and contractile properties of the muscles using the TMG with high level beach volleyball players as well as to demonstrate the usefulness of this method to evaluate the muscles in charge of the knee flexion and extension. Methods: The investigation was carried out with a group of 24 beach volleyball players who took part in the Nestea European Championship Tour – Spanish Master held in the Gran Canaria, May 2009. The method of study used was a comparison of the individual cases of various athletes to ascertain the usefulness of this method in sports. The muscles which were analyzed are: vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF). Results: Thus, with the information collected we can state the high level of usefulness of this method for the evaluation of muscle stiffness and balance between muscle structures of athletes. However, the validity and reconstruction of the results are conditioned to a strict protocol of evaluation. Moreover, the following criteria should be considered: individuality (the athlete’s profile) and specifications (sport characteristics). Conclusions: The application of the TMG to high level players reveals the existence of important differences depending on their different roles in the game (defence, blocker or alternating both roles), the technical actions, the position on court (right-left) and the medical history of injuries.

Keywords: tensiomyography, evaluation of the muscles, symmetries, beach volleyball, stiffness.