Purpose: The aim of the paper was to analyse variables related to the force and fatigue of knee muscles in the right and left lower limbs among 17 male athletes.
Methods: For both muscle groups, maximal isometric torque (Fmax) was determined with the use of Biodex System 4 Pro and the values of muscle fatigue index (FATI1-3) were calculated.
Results: A significant difference was observed between the groups of short- and long-distance runners in the values of all fatigue indices of knee joint extensor muscles in the right limb. In turn, between the groups of athletes who had trained for 2-4 years or for 4.5-7 years and the group who had trained for 7.5-13 years, significant differences were observed in the values of all fatigue indices of knee joint flexor muscles in the right limb. The group training for 3-12 hours per week and the group training for 12.5-18.0 hours per week in the sports club differed significantly in the value of the maximal isometric torque of knee joint flexor muscles in the right limb and in the values of some fatigue indices (FAT1, FAT3) for knee joint flexor muscles in the right limb. The study reported numerous positive correlations between the assumed characteristics and the investigated variables of knee joint extensor and flexor muscles in the right and left lower limbs.
Conclusions: Athletes present certain changes in variable values and positive correlations between some characteristics and investigated variables of selected knee muscles.