Reliability of eccentric isokinetic knee flexion and extension measurements

• Published in: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation Vol. 74; no. 12; pp. 1327 - 1335
• Main Authors: STEINER, L. A, HARRIS, B. A, KREBS, D. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier 01.12.1993
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical Protocols; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Isotonic Contraction; Knee Injuries - physiopathology; Knee Joint - physiopathology; Learning; Male; Medical sciences; Osteoarticular system. Muscles; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Physical Exertion; Physical Therapy Modalities - instrumentation; Range of Motion, Articular; Reproducibility of Results; Torsion Abnormality; Extension; Knee; Human; Nervous system diseases; Isometry; Test; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Bending; Lower limb; Clinical investigation; Reliability; Striated muscle
• ISSN: 0003-9993; 1532-821X
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-9993(93)90088-R

This study assessed the test-retest reliability of knee isokinetic eccentric muscle performance in subjects with and without a history of tibio-femoral pathology. Nineteen adults were tested at 60 degrees/sec and 180 degrees/sec on three occasions using a standardized protocol that incorporates a same-session learning phase. Results revealed moderate to excellent reliability for average peak torque test-retest ICC (2,1) = .58 to .96, total work ICC = .63 to .93, and power ICC = .67 to .93. Joint angle at peak torque was unreliable (ICC = .01 to .69) for both muscle groups at both angular velocities. Knee flexion reliability was higher than extension reliability at both 60 degrees/sec and 180 degrees/sec. Subjects with tibio-femoral pathologies had ICC values lower than the healthy subjects. Reliable eccentric isokinetic measurements can be obtained for average peak torque, total work, and power. Clinicians should not assume the same degree of reliability in testing patients as in testing healthy subjects.