Isokinetic strength of the elbow flexors with the forearm in supination and in the neutral position

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mandalidis, D.G.^a | O'Brien, M.^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Anatomy, Human Performance Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland

Note: [] Avlonos 41 -- Sepolia, 104 43 -- Athens, Greece. Tel.: +301 5155 309; E-mail: dmndldis@hotmail.com

Abstract: Peak and average moment of concentric elbow flexion was assessed in 30 males without previous elbow or shoulder injuries. Isokinetic assessment was performed with the forearm in supination and in the neutral position, at isokinetic velocities of 30, 60 and 120°·s^{-1} for both dominant and non-dominant sides. Eight volunteers were examined twice to determine test-retest reliability and estimate the variability of isokinetic moment data associated with normal fluctuations of strength performance over repeated measurements (inter-session variability) using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1) and the 95% (95% 3.3--16.2 Nm, respectively. Our findings revealed higher reliability and lower inter-session variability for average compared to peak moment data, the dominant compared to the non-dominant side and at the angular velocity of 120 compared to 30 or 60°·s^{-1}. Isokinetic moment of elbow flexors was significantly greater with the forearm in supination compared to the neutral position (p < 0.001) regardless of the side or the isokinetic velocity used. Isokinetic strength of elbow flexion was significantly decreased, as the velocity increased p < 0.001). The dominant side was also stronger compared to the non-dominant side (p < 0.05). The results of our study suggest that elbow flexors can be reliably assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer. Consistent positioning of the forearm is necessary when isokinetic elbow flexion is monitored in longitudinal studies. A bilateral difference of less than 5% when the contra-lateral is used for comparison in pre and post-injury or rehabilitation situations.

Keywords: Isokinetic, elbow flexion, supination, neutral position

DOI: 10.3233/IES-2001-0074

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 9, no. 2-3, pp. 111-117, 2001