Abstract
Isokinetic dynamometry represents the clinical gold standard for strength assessment but testing lack consensus. Elite youth male football players (n=28) completed 20 repetitions (analysed as 4 epochs) of eccentric knee flexor (eccKF) and concentric knee extensor (conKE) trials at 60, 180 and 270°∙s-1, quantifying peak torque (PT) and functional range (FR). There was a significant (P < 0.001) main effect for fatigue and angular velocity in conKE PT; eccKF PT was not significant across epoch (P = 0.35) and velocity (P = 0.12) and a velocity x epoch interaction highlighted more repetitions were required to elicit fatigue as velocity increased. FR decreased with fatigue (P < 0.001) and velocity (P < 0.01) in conKE and eccKF, indicative of a narrowing of the strength curve. Clinical interpretation advocates an isokinetic test comprising at least 15 reps at a velocity ≥ 180°∙s-1 and analysis beyond the peak of the strength curve (PT) to inform clinical reasoning and individualised exercise prescription.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Research in Sports Medicine |
Early online date | 23 Jun 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 23 Jun 2021 |
Keywords
- isokintetic testing
- soccer
- youth