324

Isometric and Isokinetic Measurement of Hamstring

and Quadriceps Strength
Janet P. Lord, MD, Susan G. Aitkens, BA, Megan A. McCrory, BS, Edmund M. Bernauer, PhD

ABSTRACT. Lord JP, Aitkens SG, McCrory MA, Bernauer EM. Isometric and isokinetic measurement of hamstring
and quadriceps strength. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1992;73:324-30.
l This study evaluates quadriceps strength at varying movement velocities in a group of healthy subjects. Specific
objectives included (1) investigating the effect of angular velocity on peak torque (PT) (2) investigating the effect of
angular velocity on joint angle at peak torque (JAPT) and (3) evaluating whether the use of a relatively new isokinetic
testing device yields new insights to previously accepted relationships between angular velocity and PT or JAPT. Twenty
healthy subjects were tested for isometric and isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength on a LID0 Active Isoki-
netic Rehabilitation System at velocities of O”, 60”, 120”, and lSO”/sec. Isometric m (O”/sec) was found to be highly
correlated with isokinetic PT for both extensors and flexors at all velocities (r = .88-.93, pi.01). PT declined signifi-
cantly as angular velocity increased for both extension (pc.01) and flexion (pc.05). A relationship between isometric and
isokinetic JAPT was significant for extension only at 60” and 180”/sec (r = .48-.52, pc.05). These results indicate that
knee isometric and isokinetic PT as measured on the LID0 Active system are highly related for both extension and
flexion. PT declined as isokinetic angular velocity increased. Isometric and isokinetic JAPT are significantly related only
for extension.
0 1992 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation

Strength may be defined as the ability of muscle to exert not change the angular velocity of contraction, but is trans-
force and can be measured isometrically, isotonically, or lated into increased torque. Joint angles can also be mea-
isokinetically. Isometric measurement has been popular sured, and other variables, such as work and power, can be
because of its technical simplicity and low cost. However, calculated. When angular velocity is constrained to O”/sec,
because most functional activities involve movement, val- the measured torque is the same as isometric torque. The
ues obtained with isometric testing may not reflect the same relationship of isokinetically measured strength to isomet-
muscular capability generally used in daily activities or ric and isotonic measured strength has not yet been fully
sports.’ Isotonic testing has the advantage of more closely evaluated.
approximating functional movements, but is difficult to Several researchers have examined the relationship be-
standardize because movement velocity, muscle substitu- tween isometric and isokinetic peak torque (PT) and the
tions, and fatigue from multiple trials all confound reliable joint angle at which peak torque is reached (JAPT) using
results. Thus, isokinetic testing, which provides a highly the Cybex” system.6-” Some consistent relationships have
reproducible technique for dynamic strength testingZe4has emerged. In general, angle-specific torque is consistently
gained popularity as an approach to the measurement of higher when measured isometrically than isokinetically,
dynamic human strength.5 and as angular velocity increases, PT values decrease.6~8-‘2
Isokinetic devices control angular velocity by providing Technology for the isokinetic measurement of strength
an accommodating resistance to muscular torque devel- has been evolving since Hislop and Perrine’s original article
oped during the course of a contraction.’ In an isokinetic in 1967.13 The first commercially available and therefore
system. increasing the force of muscular contraction does most widely described piece of equipment for isokinetic
measurement is the Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. Re-
From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University ofCali- cently, a number of other companies have become involved
fornia. Davis (Dr. Lord): Department ofpediatric Rehabilitation. Children’s Hospital in the manufacture of isokinetic equipment. Resulting
Oakland (Dr. Lord): and the Department ofPhysical Education. UniversityofCalifor-
nia, Davis (Ms. Aitkens. Ms. McCrory. and Dr. Bernauer).
technical changes have attempted to improve measurement
This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability precision for both PT and JAPT.14.15 New measurement
Rehabilitation Research ‘X08300078. techniques bring up the question of the relationship be-
Submitted for publication February 5, 1990. Accepted in revised form March 7.
1991. tween angular velocity and isokinetic performance, this
A commercial party with a direct or indirect interest m the subject matter of this time in the context of whether new technology yields differ-
article has conferred or will confer a financial benefit upon one or more of the au-
thors.
ent answers from previous measurement techniques.
Reprint requests to Janet Lord. MD. Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Chil- This study considers the following null hypotheses (1)
dren’s Hospital Oakland. 747 52nd Street. Oakland. CA 94609. angular velocity (O”, 60”, 120”. 180”/sec) does not signifi-
1~ 1992 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American
Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
cantly affect the value of PT generated around a joint, (2)
0003-9993/92/7304-0004$3.00/0 angular velocity (0”, 60”, 120”. and 180”/sec) does not sig-

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Voi 73, April 1992

 MEASURING HAMSTRING AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTH, Lord 325

nificantly affect JAPT. In addition, results from this study Subjects were instructed to work as hard and fast as possible
are compared with previous studies that used Cybex equip- when maximal effort was required, ,411testing was per-
ment to evaluate whether a relatively new isokinetic testing formed by one technician during a single test session for
device yields new insights to previously accepted relation- each subject.
ships between angular velocity and PT or JAPT. The isokinetic test protocol included an initial warmup
of eight reciprocal extension/flexion repetitions at 60”/sec.
with the effort level gradually increasing from approxi-
METHODS mately 35%’effort to maximal effort. After a IO-second rest,
the subjects performed three maximal test repetitions at
Subjects 60”/sec. A two-minute rest was then given, followed by
three warm-up repetitions of increasing intensity at 120”/
Twenty subjects. I 1 men and nine women, aged 20 to 39 sec. a ten-second rest, then three maximal test repetitions at
years (30.6 i 6.3) volunteered for this study. All subjects that angular velocity. After another two-minute rest, sub-
were healthy and had no previous musculoskeletal injuries jects repeated three warm-up repetitions of increasing in-
to the lower extremities. Weight ranged from 48.15kg to tensity, this time at 180”/sec. They then underwent testing
1 12.5kg (7 1.95 2 16.1) and height ranged from I52Scm to at 180”/sec in the same manner as for the previous angular
183.25cm (169.5 -t 9.0). All subjects gave informed con- velocities. After isokinetic testing at I80’/sec. another two-
sent. minute rest was given.
Isometric testing immediately followed the isokinetic
Instrumentation test. Subjects were tested in 10” increments throughout a
70” range of motion. Testing started at 90” of knee flexion
A LID0 Active Isokinetic Rehabilitation Systemb was (as measured by a goniometer) and progressed through ex-
used to measure both isokinetic and isometric PT as well as tension to 20” from straight. At each joint angle, the sub-
JAPT. Test-retest reliability of isokinetically measured PT jects performed one maximal extension effort followed im-
using the Cybex 11dynamometer has been evaluated, reveal- mediately by a reciprocal maximal flexion effort. Each
ing that PT remains stable both within testing sessions and repetition lasted approximately three seconds. A 20-second
across a two week interval provided subjects have at least rest was given before advancing to the next joint angle.
one maximal warm-up trial. I6When similar evaluation was A post-hoc repeatability study was performed to verify
done using LID0 equipment, PT’s measured two days that neither warm-up effect nor fatigue affected the mea-
apart showed no significant changes between test days. In- sured torques during isometric testing. Using a load cell and
traclass correlation coefficients ranged from .93 to .95.” digital force indicator, eight healthy subjects were tested for
Since published data regarding test-retest reliability for torque generation over nine maximal isometric knee exten-
JAPT was not available, I9 subjects were tested in this labo- sor contractions each at 120” of extension with a 20-second
ratory on two separate test dates. Test sessions were sched- rest between each effort. The load cell was linked to a strap
uled two days apart and measured PT and JAPT for both that was placed around the subject’s ankle. The strap posi-
knee flexion and extension. Reliability of both PT” and tion was not allowed to vary during testing. Subjects were
JAPT was verified by student f-test. instructed to give a maximal effort each time. A one-way
repeated measures ANOVA was performed on the data. No
significant trend was found over the nine contractions (p
Test protocol = .9883), indicating that there was no fatigue or warm-up
All subjects were tested for both isokinetic and isometric effect over nine isometric contractions with a 20-second
knee extension and flexion strength on the side of their rest between them.
dominant hand. Since the study compared isometric and
isokinetically measured PT and JAPT on the same side, it Data Analysis
was not believed that specific dominance was of particular
importance. Before testing, subjects were familiarized with Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between isomet-
both the equipment and the test protocol. The protocol was ric and isokinetic PT and JAPT. which required that we
explained, and three to four submaximal repetitions of first determine mean PT and mean J.4PT for each angular
knee extension/flexion were performed. The protocol was velocity, including O”/sec (isometric). Relationships among
developed through repeated trials with healthy subjects and PT and JAPT measured at different angular velocities were
involved a process of shortening the total testing time until then evaluated for statistical significance.
the evaluators believed that fatigue was not a significant The first portion of the analysis included determination
factor in any subject’s performance. The entire test protocol of PT and JAPT for each angular velocity. Values for PT
required approximately I5 minutes to complete. and JAPT for each subject at each angular velocity (0”. 60”,
Subjects were stabilized in the exercise chair at the pelvis 120”. and 180”/sec) were measured, with isometric angular
and ipsilateral thigh to prevent excessive movement and velocity considered to be O”/sec.
were instructed to grasp stabilization handles during the For isokinetic trials, PT was defined as the highest torque
test. A technician positioned the extension/flexion axis of developed for each movement over all trials at a given angu-
knee (identified as a horizontal line through the femoral lar velocity as determined from the computerized torque
condylesi8) coincident with the machine axis of rotation. curve for each subject. Data were collected at a sampling

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vd 73, April 1992

 326 MEASURING HAMSTRING AND

rate of IOOHz. and computer software accompanying the

LID0 system included a facility that isolated PT for any A-.-A 60 deg/sec A
163
given torque curve. Maximum peak values were typically
O-O 120 deg/sec
reached on the second repetition at each angular velocity. 136
Isometric PT was defined as the highest measured torque D-a 180 deg/sec

value at O”/sec. 109

Determination of JAPT during isokinetic testing was cal- 81

culated based on the point in the range of motion at which
PT was achieved. Torque was a continuously measured vari- 54
able throughout the range of motion. Therefore, JAPT was
27
considered to be the joint angle corresponding to measured
PT at each given angular velocity. In contrast, isometric 0
torque was measured discreetly at given joint angles at 10” 0 27 54 81 109 136 163 190

increments. Torque was then plotted against joint angle, Isometric Peak Torque (N-m)
and a curve of torque versus joint angle was developed us- Fig 2-Linear regression analyses of isometric lT versus isoki-
ing a second-order polynomial regression analysis. JAPT netic FT at each isokinetic test velocity (flexion).
was then determined as that value corresponding to PT on
the fitted curve of torque versus joint angle.
Evaluation of the relationships between measurements
done at different angular velocities followed once PT and RESULTS
JAPT values were determined. For this portion of the analy-
sis, the mean PT or JAPT across all subjects was used. Data
analysis proceeded in three steps. First, to investigate the Angular Velocity and FT
relationship between isokinetic PT and isometric PT. linear
regression analyses were performed using isometric PT as The relationship of angular velocity to PT was evaluated
the independent variable and isokinetic PT at each of the in several ways. First, when subjected to linear regression
three isokinetic test velocities as dependent variables. To analysis, isokinetic PT demonstrated a significant relation-
investigate the relationship between isokinetic JAPT and ship to isometric PT (R = .88 to R = .93) with higher isomet-
isometric JAPT, linear regression analyses were performed ric PTs predicting higher isokinetic PTs in a generally linear
using isometric JAPT as the independent variable and isoki- fashion (figs 1 and 2) for all three angular velocities tested in
netic JAPT at each of the three isokinetic angular velocities this study. In addition. as angular velocity increased, PT
as dependent variables. Finally, to investigate the effect of decreased, with the decrement more obvious in extension
angular velocity on maximum PT and JAPT, we plotted than in flexion (fig 3). The ANOVA (table I) evaluating the
the mean PT and JAPT for all subjects against the angular effect of increasing angular velocity on PT for both knee
velocities at which those peak values were achieved. Statis- flexion and extension were significant (knee extension: F
tical verification of differences between PT and JAPT at = 83.55, ~~01: knee flexion; F = 39.33, p<.Ol) and post-
different angular velocities was done with a two-way hoc multiple comparison tests using Tukey’s method con-
ANOVA (using subject as the within-group factor and angu- firmed that the PT at each angular velocity was significantly
lar velocity as the between-groups factor) and Tukey’s LSD different from PT at all other angular velocities for both
post-hoc test. All analyses were performed separately for flexion and extension.
extension and flexion.

Angular Velocity and JAFT

2 326 When subjected to the same linear regression analysis

i 298 that was performed for angular velocity and PT, the rela-
; 271
120 deg/sec
tionship between angular velocity and JAPT was substan-
= 244
r
tially less clear (figs 4 and 5). For knee extension, isokinetic
217 D-U 180 deg/sec
e I!0
and isometric JAPT were significantly related at 60” and
: 163
180”/sec (Y = .52 and .48, respectively, p<.O5), but not at
d 136 120”/sec (r = .42). In contrast, there was no significant rela-
109 tionship between angular velocity and JAPT in flexion,
.,o
z
81 with correlation coefficients ranging from .02 to .4 1.
5 54 Because of the low correlations between isometric and
0 27 isokinetic JAPTs, further analysis of the relationship be-
2 0 tween joint angle and torque was initiated. Figure 6 illus-
0 27 54 81 109 136 163 190 217 244 271 298 326 353
trates the effect of angular velocity on JAPT. During exten-
Isometric Peak Torque (N-m) sion increasing angular velocity led to a decrease in JAPT,
Fig I-Linear regression analyses of isometric PT versus isoki- meaning that peak torque was achieved further into the
netic ET at each isokinetic test velocity (extension). range of motion during isokinetic testing than when torque

Arch Phys bled Rehabil Vol73, April 1992

 MEASURING HAMSTRING AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTH, Lord 327

0 Extension’
q Flexion”

c( 0) 60
.E =
0 z 55
-) 0 50
o I- 45
‘E x A OA &,+a?. 60 deg!sec
@ m 40 R = 519
C:
5: 35 8:) MJ 120 dog/s&z
R = 417
0 - 30 El--Cl 160 deg/sec
z?a
25 R = 477
20 l~_UI I

45 50 55 60 65 ?O 75 a0 a5
0 60 120 180
Isometric Joint Angle at Peak Torque (deg)
Velocity (deg/sec)
Fig -I--l.inear regression analyses of isometric JAPT versus isoki-
E‘ig 3-ILLlean PI at different isokinetic test velocities. Error bars netic JAPT at each isokinetic test velocity (estension).
represent standard deviations for the mean. “Extension: all signifi-
cantI) different (p-c.0 I ). ““Flexion: all significantly different
(pc 45).
DISCISSION

~\as measured isometrically (pc.0 1). In contrast. a change Effect of Angular \‘elocitg on Fr L’alues
in angular velocity did not significantly change flexion This stud) found a significant relationship between angu-
J4PT (/~.05). Table 7 provides ANOV.4 results. Tukey’s lar velocity and peak torque values. Isometric (O”/scc) PT
post-hoc comparison revealed that although extension showed significant correlation to Isokinetic PT at 60”.
J!\PTs. at 60”. 120”. and 18O”/sec were all significantly 130”. and I SO”/sec for both knee e\tcnslon and knee flex-
different from those at O”/sec. they were not significantly ion. In addition. among the difl’erent isokinetic velocities.
different from each other. PT decreased signiticantly as angular \,elocity increased (O”,
Finally. looking purely at isometric values. mean torques 60”. 130”. 18O”/sec). This is in agreement with previous
at each Joint angle for the entire sub.ject group were re- studies using different isokinetic equipment.’ ” Isometric
gressed on their corresponding joint angles using second- and isokinetic PT ha\.e pre\,iouslq demonstrated high
order polynomial regression analysis. This analvsis gener- correlations.‘~’ and other studies ha\,e found isometric PT
ated two curves, one for extension and the otheri‘or flexion to be greater than isokinetic PT al an> angular velocity.
(fig 7). Although the relationship between joint angle and with PT decreasing as angular \,eloci t! i nc~reases (decreasing
torque was significant for both extension and flexion. the slope of the regression lines \vith inc,reasing angular vc-
nature ofthat relationship appeared to be quite different for locityLh.X-’ ’
the two movements. As the knee moves from full flexion Two other studies present conflicting tindings. Osternig’s
into extension. torque gradually rises until it peaks at 60”. group, measuring both isometric and isokinetic torques of
rhen. as the knee travels past 60” ofextension, torque grad- the triceps brachii. reported low correlations between iso-
ually declines from that peak value. The flexion line. on the metric and isokinetic measurements and concluded that
other hand. is virtualI> linear. demonstrating only a slight static and d! namic muscle strength Mt’rt’ two distinct phe-
downward trend as joint angle increases. Correlation coefli- nomena. Details of their instrumcniati~.,n and limb stabili-
cients were .95 and .C)h for extension and tlexion. respec-
tivelv.

Table 1: ANOVA Results: Effect of Increasing Test Velocity

on Peak Torque for Knee Extension and Flexion

,5 l-.---L_-
_.
I~ ~~~~~. _ _~ -1 _ I

10 ?O 30 ~~~3 i0 60 70 a0
Isometric Joint Angle at Peak Torque (deg)
I,‘ig 5-l.inear regression analysr\ of i\ornetric .J \P’I versus isoki-
ncric .I \l”l’ at each isokinc!ic IW ~clot it> (flexion).

Arch Phys bled ‘qehabil Vol 73, April 1992

 MEASURING HAMSTRING AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTH, Lord

244

217 1
_ - Q Flexm”

FlCWXl
y = 7K497+.237r-5.53 x 1o-3x2
R = 965

“0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 60 120
Joint Angle (degrees) Velocity (deg/sec)
Fig 6-Mean JAPT at different isokinetic test velocities. Error Fig 7-Polynomial regression curves used to ralculate isometric
bars represent standard deviations from the mean. JAPI‘ for extension and flexion. *Extension: 0 deg/sec signifi-
cantly different (p<.O5). **Flesion: no sigiticant differences.

zation are not provided. The discrepancy between this

study and the Osternig group’s work may be due to the between isometric and isokinetic JAPT wa\ found for knee
different joints studied (knee extension/flexion versus el- extension at 60” and I W”/sec. but not for knee extension at
bow extension) or to the different isokinetic velocities cvalu- 1XJ”/sec. Increasing velocities did not result in a significant
ated. In addition. depending on the details upper extrem- of shift in the knee extension JAPT toward neutral. In con-
ity stabilization, subjects could have been using muscle trast to knee extension. there was no significant relationship
substitutions (eg. shoulder extension) in inconsistent fash- between angular velocity and JAPT for knee flesion.
ion during testing. The other conflicting study. done by The few other studies that have addressed JAPT provide
Perrine and Edgerton.” used a Cybex II isokinetic loading conflicting data. Two found a consistent and significant
dynamometer to test knee maximum knee extension JAPT shift toward points later in the range of motion as
torque at velocities ranging from 0” to 288”/sec and found angular velocitv increased.‘“-” In contrast Knapik” found
a biphasic force-velocity curve. Low angular velocity isoki- inconsistent shifts in knee extension JAPT as angular veloc-
netic measurements demonstrated torques comparable to ity increased.
isometric values. As velocities exceeded 144”/sec: however. The question of vvhrther or not JAPT shifts with chang-
there was a rapid fall off in isokinetic torque. They poslu- ing angular velocity’ IS important in establishing norms for
lated neural mechanisms to explain their findings. JAPT. JAPT could provide another indicator of ongoing
joint malfunction after injury. If JAPT occurs in an ahnor-
Effect of Angular Velocity on JAP’I’ ma1 portion ofthe range of motion. then that would suggest
that an individual has not been completely rchabilitatcd
Relationships between isometric and isokinetic JAPT postinjury. At present. however. norms for JAPT have not
were less clearly defined than relationships involving PT. been developed. Obv,~ously. ifJAPT shifts as angular veloc-
making it impossible to definitively reject the hypothesis ity increases. then any norms that are developed would
that angular velocity was unrelated to the joint angle at need to be velocity -spccitic.
which peak torque was reached. A signilicant relationship The discrepancy between knee extension and hnee Hcs-
ion JAPT shifts may be partially explained by examining
the curves describing mean isometric torque versus joint
Table 2: ANOVA Results: Effect of Increasing Test Velocity angle (lig 7). The knee extension curve is an inverted II with
on Joint Angle at Peak Torque for Knee Extension and Flexion a clearly identifiable angle at which peak torque occurs.
suggesting that the mechanical characteristics ofthe quadri-
Degree of Sum of LIean ceps are such that one specihc joint angle provides better
Freedom Squarrs Square I:-test p
__.~~~ ___ -_ mechanical advantage than any other angle during knee
extension. The knee flesion curve. however. is nearly, flat.
Since knee flcsion is influenced by two muscle groups (ham-
strings and gastrocnemius). one with its muscle belly proxi-
mal and the other with it muscle belly distal to the knee
joint, each muscle may produce its maximum force at dif-
ferent points ofknce range ofmotion. resulting in a compos-
ite curve that appears flat. Other studies ha\,e not examined
this aspect of the relationship between torque and joint
angle.

Arch Phys hled Rehabil Vol73. April 1992

 MEASURING HAMSTRING AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTH, Lord 329

Technical Advances of the LID0 Active Isokinetic J.4PT toward neutral. There was no significant relationship
Dynamometer between angular velocity and JAPT for knee flexion.
Technical differences between the L.IDO’ Active isoki-
.Amajor goal of this study was to determine whether new netic dynamometer and the Cybex isokinetic system did
isokinctic technology yields a different answer to the old not substantialI>- change previously accepted conclusions
question of the relationship between angular velocity and regarding the relationship between angular velocity and PT.
peak torque.
Previous studies addressing the relationship between iso- References

metric and isohinrtic strength have generally used the C>- Wathins hlP. Harris BA. Evaluation oflsokinetic muscle per-
tbrmance (‘Iin Sports Med 19X3:3:.37-5.3
bc\ isokinetic d~~namometer. The Cybex allows an earl!
Mofhd M. Whipple R. Hotkosh J. Lawman E. Thistle H. 4
period of fret accleration before reaching the preset angular
\tud) of~snkinetlc exercise. Phys Ther iY69:49:735-47.
Lclocit! at which resistance is oflered. Subjects using the Mawd+! RH. Knapik JJ. Comparison oflsokinztic measure-
equipment will. therefore. pass through a fraction of the ments with tc\t repetitions. Phys Ther 10X2:62: I N-72.
joint range of motion before reaching the preset angular Molnar (iE. 4lexandcr J. Objective quantitative muscle test-
velocit! and beginning to generate measured torque. Rc- ~ng in children: 3 pilot stud!. Arch Phys Fled Rehabil
cause subjects generate considerable momentum before 19’ 3;i4:2’4-x.
reaching the desired angular velocity. they will tend to over- Ostcrnig I K. Iwhinetic dy,namometry. lmplicatrons for mus-
\hijot that angular \.elocity before the machine can offer the cle tcstiny and rehabilitation. Ewrc Span Sci Rev 1YXh: I3:

appropriate amount of resistance to prevent this.“‘-” Con- 45430.

tinapik JJ. Ramos MU. Isokmetic and Isometric torque rela-
\cqucntl). the rcsistancr offered will reach a high transient
lIonship\ 111 the human bodb. .\rch Phys bled Rehahil
le\cl in an attempt to return the angular velocity to the I Y X&h I :hJ- 7
preset \alut*. This will then slow the limb as subjects accom- E;napih JJ Mright JE:. Mawdslel RH. Hraun JM. Isokinetic.
modate to this lncreascd resistance and begin to generate isometric and isotonic strength relationships. .An,h Phy Med
maximum torque at the desired angular velocit). All ofthi Rehnbll ILiX3.63:77-HO.
goes on while subjects mo\e through the joint range of mo- Knapik JJ. \Vright JE. Mawdsle! RH. Braun .I. Isometric.
tion. creating oscillations df overshoot/undershoot of the wtonic and &kinetic torque \ariatitins in four muscle
preset angular \cIocity and generating potentially invalid group\ through a range of Joint rnotmn. Phys The!
torque data fi)r (he cart! portion ofjoint range.“-‘3 Thus PT lYX3:h~5~.3X-i~
Oti\ .I( <~c~db~~lJ JH Relationship 01 is\)hlnetlc torque to
may be recorded as inaccurately high.” while JAPI’. which
wmetrlc torque. J Orthop Res 1YX3: I : I h?-7 I.
may have ocsurred before subjects reached the preset angu-
Sc~~tldcr <;“I’. Torque curws produced a1 the knee during iso-
lar \,elocity. ma! also be inaccurate11 recorded.” .&cording niclri< III:J i\ohlnetic e\crcisc .Arch Phrs bled Rchabil
to the manufacturer’s claims. the LID0 Actibc provides I YSO:hi :h,k-7 i
gradual]! incrra<;lng resistance at the beginning ofthc range
rrt‘ motion. thus avoiding a period of free acceleration and
115associated t~~rquc overshoot.”
Ijcspitc ditFcrcnc.e\ betucen the C!,bck and I.IDO sys-
tc‘ms. o\cr-all stud! tindings using the LID0 support pr+
iious work don<, uith the Cyhrx. In particular. this stud!
demonstcttcd a significant relationship between isometric
anti isohinetlc P 1 and decreasing PT values with increasing
angular \elocit!. Both of thcsc tindings ha\,c be<*n demon-
strated clsewhcn~ using (‘ybex equipment. Thzrc have been
too few studicss ckamining the relationship between angular
\elocit! and J,4I’-I‘ IO comment on how differences betwl’en
the (‘! b(:\ and 111~I .IDO Ac3iL.c ma! affect JAP 1.

\t’t, ~~)n~~lud,~ that there IS a significant relationship IX-

twcc‘n isc)rnctric, PT and isokinetic PT for all angular veloci-
tie\ tc\tcd in t tit> stud!. Marc specifically. as angular LeltJc-
111 Increases. 1’ I decreases signiticantlb.
\o detin~tl~ rclat~onship betwren isometric and isokinetic
.I -4t’7 M’;IScst,thllshcd by this stud!. While a signiticant rela-
tionship between isometric and isokinetic JAPT \&as found
for knee cstcns~on at 60” and 18O”/sec. no such Sign&
i‘JLn(c’ was found ;at I X”/sec. Increasing angular vclocitics
clod not I.C~LI~I II! ;I significant shift in the knee cxtcnsion

Arch Phys Me,d Rehabil Vol 73, April 1992

 330 MEASURING HAMSTRING AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTH, Lord

‘I Sapega AA. Nicholas JA. Sokolow D. Saraniti A. The nature 23. Winter DA. Wells RP. Orr GW. Errors In the use ofisokinctic
of torque “overshoot” in cyhes isokinetic dynamometry. dynamometers. Eur J 2ppl Physiol IOX I :46:397-40X.
Med Sci Sports Exert 1982:14:36X-75.
77 Murray DA, Harrison E. Constant velocity dynamometer: an
__ Suppliers
appraisal using mechanical loading. Med Sci Sports Exert a. Cybex system. Lumen Corp.. I00 Spencr Street. Bay Shore.
19X6: I X:6 12-74. NY I 1706
73 Murray DA. Harrison E. Wood GA. Cyhes II reliability and b. LID0 Active Isokinctic Rehabilitation System. l.oredam Bio-
validit!: an appraisal. Med Sci Sports Escrc 19X?: 1-t:153. (ah- medical. 3650 Industrial Boulevard. West Sacramento. CA
stract). 956’) I

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol73, April 1992