Identification of feigned strength test of the knee extensors and flexors based on the shape of the isokinetic torque curve

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ayalon, M.^a | Rubinstein, M.^a | Barak, Y.^a | Dunsky, A.^a | Ben-Sira, D.^a

Affiliations: [a] The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the Wingate Institute, Israel

Note: [] Head of Life Science Department, The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute 42902, Israel. Fax: +972 9 8650960; E-mail: meylon@macam.ac.il

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of clinicians to identify false isokinetic strength test of the knee flexors and extensors, based only on the shape of the torque curve. The concentric strength was measured bilaterally using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60^{\circ}/sec. Each subject performed two modes of testing: a) A Genuine strength test (GST) which consisted of five consecutive cycles of knee extension and flexion at maximal effort. b) A false strength test (FST) which consisted of five consecutive cycles of knee extensions and flexion attempting to feign pain. For each test, the torque curves were printed and presented to four judges to mark each of the tests as a GST or a FST based on the shape of the torque curves. The mean percentage of success in identifying a GST and a FST for the 4 judges was 91.9% (range = 82.5--95%) constraints, which were imposed on the judges, the rate of correct classification was high.

Keywords: isokinetic, torque curve, feigned strength test

DOI: 10.3233/IES-2001-0063

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 45-50, 2001