Neuromuscular performance characteristics of open-wheel and rally drivers

J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Nov;19(4):777-84. doi: 10.1519/R-16544.1.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate neuromuscular performance characteristics in open-wheel and rally drivers using the cross-sectional study design. The subjects (N = 28) consisted of experienced international-level open-wheel drivers (n = 9), experienced international-level rally drivers (n = 9) and a physically active nondriving male control group (n = 10). In 3 separate test sessions, speed, muscle strength, and endurance tests were performed. The rally drivers had higher (p < 0.05) grip, shoulder flexion, and ankle plantar flexion strength, as compared to the control group. The open-wheel drivers showed higher strengths (p < 0.05) than the controls in neck forces, grip, shoulder flexion, and leg extension. The rally drivers were stronger (p < 0.05) than the open-wheel drivers in grip, plantar flexion, and trunk extension forces, whereas the open-wheel drivers were stronger (p < 0.01) than the rally drivers in neck lateral flexions and extension forces. Thus, competitive long-term open-wheel and rally drivers differ specifically in neuromuscular performance. For practice, these findings suggest that rally drivers should concentrate on training hand, ankle, and trunk muscles, whereas open-wheel drivers should train neck muscles, especially, and all other muscle groups rather equally.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Joint / physiology
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Neck / physiology
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Shoulder Joint / physiology
  • Sports / physiology*