Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume 29, issue 3

Authors: Bohannon, Richard W.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Muscle weakness is among the most common and obvious impairments in older adults and individuals with neurologic disorders. Although impairments in muscle strength are typically characterized using performance measures, the impairments have also been described using patient or observer-report. The objective of this review was to summarize literature describing use of a patient-report instrument, the Strength Domain (SD) of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), to grade strength impairments. METHODS: Peer-reviewed literature reporting SD scores for the SIS was identified using computerized searches of the CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases followed by hand searches. …Potentially relevant articles were then mined for data on the participants tested, the SIS version used, scores documented, and clinimetric properties reported. RESULTS: Sixty-five articles were judged appropriate based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles involved more than 7000 residents of 22 countries. All articles focused on individuals with stroke (usually chronic), although one also included community-dwelling adults without stroke. The SIS version used was frequently unreported, but 3.0 was version most often specified. For articles reporting SD scale scores the mean ranged from 19.7 to 85.5. Construct (known groups, convergent, and discriminant) validity of the SD was supported by the literature as was its internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Responsiveness of the SD was evinced by numerous studies showing increases in SD scores with time or accompanying effective interventions. However, only one study indicated responsiveness using an anchor-based statistic. CONCLUSIONS: The SD of the SIS is a well-established and mostly clinimetrically sound patient-report measure of paretic limb strength among individuals with stroke. Its use with individuals with weakness accompanying aging or diagnoses other than stroke remains to be substantiated. Show more

Keywords: Muscle, strength, measurement, clinimetrics

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210101

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 219-231, 2021

Authors: Kim, Jun-Seok | Moon, Dong-Chul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The abductor hallucis (AbH) is a key muscle in the stability of the foot by supporting the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). Individuals with flat foot show a flattening of the MLA with a decreased selective AbH activity relative to the other foot extrinsic muscles during functional movement. OBJECTIVE: To examine the selective muscle activity of the abductor hallucis (AbH) during single-leg mini-squat (SMS) in subjects with flat foot and normal individuals. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adults (13 men and 11 women) with flat or normal feet participated in this study. All subjects performed single minisquat …(SMS), and data were collected using sEMG from the AbH, TA, and GCM during SMS. RESULTS: An inter-gender comparison of the EMG data revealed no difference. The EMG activity of the AbH in individuals with flat foot was significantly lower than that of individuals with normal feet. Moreover, the AbH/TA ratio in subjects with flat foot, , was significantly lower than that in subjects with normal feet. CONCLUSION: In a clinical setting, clinicians should focus on strengthening exercises of the AbH muscle due to reduced activation of the AbH muscle in individuals with flat foot. The selective muscle activity of the AbH muscle during SMS should be emphasized. Show more

Keywords: Flat foot, abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior, selective muscle activation

DOI: 10.3233/IES-203202

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 233-238, 2021

Authors: Yun, Sungjoon | Kim, Yongwook

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the contribution of isometric-specific exercise of the biceps brachii muscle to increased strength under manual fixation of the scapula. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the activation amplitude of the biceps brachii (BB), serratus anterior (SA), and upper trapezius (UT) in a supine lying posture based on various exercise conditions. METHODS: The EMG activity of BB, SA, and UT was measured in 25 healthy adults while performing maximal elbow flexion exercise with or without manual stabilization of the scapula in two different loading conditions. RESULTS: Muscle activation of the …BB was significantly greater when performed with manual fixation of the scapula under the wrist-loading exercise condition (p < 0.05) but manual fixation of the scapula or absence thereof did not have an effect. Elbow flexion force was significantly increased when applying manual fixation to the scapula in both the hand and wrist-loading exercise conditions (p < 0.05). There were no interaction effects between exercise conditions and manual fixation (with or without) in any of the EMG activation values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Manual stabilization of the scapula is a useful therapeutic technique to increase BB strength. Such an intervention may also be indicated for accurate strength measurement of this muscle. Show more

Keywords: Biceps brachii, manual stabilization, strength training

DOI: 10.3233/IES-203164

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 239-245, 2021

Authors: Paulus, Julien | Pauls, Jerome | Radizzi, Laurent | Krecke, Laurent | Bury, Thierry | Goff, Caroline Le | Laly, Arnaud | Schwartz, Cédric | Forthomme, Bénédicte | Kaux, Jean-François | Croisier, Jean-Louis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Isokinetic evaluation is considered the gold standard in muscle strength measurement due to its sensitivity, intra-dynamometer reproducibility and usefulness in the injury prevention screening and follow up of subjects with musculoskeletal pathologies, neurological disease or after surgical operation. However, can one switch among different isokinetic dynamometers for the purpose of knee muscles evaluation? OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively evaluate the compatibility of the isokinetic short concentric and eccentric strength evaluation protocol and of the fatigability resistance evaluation between three different isokinetic devices. METHODS: Eighteen recreationally active men underwent three isokinetic knee testing sessions on …three different isokinetic devices with 7–10 days of rest between each session. Relative (Pearson’s r product-moment correlation coefficient – PCC) and absolute (standard error of measurement – SEM, Cohen effect sizes (d) and probabilistic inferences – MBI) parameters of reproducibility were determined to assess the inter-dynamometer agreement. RESULTS: For the short concentric and eccentric strength evaluation protocol, the extensors in concentric mode and the flexors in eccentric mode can be compared (eventually with transposition formulas provided) between Biodex, Con-Trex and Cybex (almost all PCC ⩾ 0.80). The DCR could be compared between Con-Trex and Cybex and between Biodex and Cybex pairs (eventually with transposition formula provided). For the fatigability resistance evaluation protocol, the total sum can be compared for extensors (eventually with transposition formulas provided) for PM for all dynamometer pairs considered and, in the case of MW, only for Biodex and Con-Trex (PCC ⩾ 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Only some of the parameters derived either from the short concentric and eccentric strength evaluation protocol or the fatigability resistance evaluation protocol may be interchangeable providing transposition formulas are applied. Otherwise, isokinetic findings are largely system-dependent save some specific instances. Show more

Keywords: Compatibility, reproducibility, Biodex, ConTrex, Cybex, inter-dynamometers, strength profile, fatigability, fatigability resistance evaluation protocol, transposition formulas

DOI: 10.3233/IES-193193

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 247-268, 2021

Authors: Kim, Soo-Yong | Yu, Il-Young | Kang, Min-Hyeok

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During one-leg standing (OLS), optimum activity of the gluteus medius (Gmed), multifidus (MF), and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles relies upon maintaining neutral lumbopelvic alignment. However, no studies have examined how using pressure biofeedback during OLS affects the activity of these muscles and the concomitant alignment of the pelvis and trunk. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pressure biofeedback on the activity of the Gmed, MF, and QL and the femoropelvic and trunk lean angles during OLS. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy males performed OLS with (PB+ …) and without (PB- ) pressure biofeedback. For all OLS conditions, a pressure sensor was placed between the lateral surface of the humerus on the non-supporting side and the wall. Under the PB- condition, participants performed preferred OLS while the examiner measured the maximum pressure caused by trunk lean. Under the PB+ condition, participants were asked to perform at a threshold of 50% of the maximal pressure (PB+ 1 condition) and with minimal change in pressure (PB+ 2 condition). Muscle activities of MF, QL, and Gmed as well as the femoropelvic and trunk lean angles were measured under various OLS conditions. RESULTS: The activity of the Gmed, MF, and QL was greater under both PB+ conditions than under the PB- condition (p < 0.05). Also, both PB+ conditions resulted in a greater femoropelvic angle and reduced trunk lean angle. There were no significant differences in muscle activity, femoropelvic angle, or trunk lean angle between PB+ 1 and PB+ 2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pressure biofeedback is a useful modality for increasing the activity of the Gmed and trunk muscles, especially the MF muscle on the non-supporting leg side, and for preventing compensatory movements such as trunk deviation and pelvic lateral deviation during OLS. Show more

Keywords: Biofeedback, gluteus medius, trunk muscles, lumbopelvic alignment, one-leg standing

DOI: 10.3233/IES-202173

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 269-276, 2021

Authors: Catino, Luigi | Malloggi, Chiara | Scarano, Stefano | Cerina, Valeria | Rota, Viviana | Tesio, Luigi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A method of measurement of voluntary activation (VA, percent of full muscle recruitment) during isometric and isokinetic concentric contractions of the quadriceps femoris (QF) at 60 ∘ /s and 120 ∘ /s was previously validated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the test-retest minimal real difference (MRD) of VA during isometric (ISOM) and isokinetic concentric contractions of QF (100 ∘ /s, ISOK) in a sample of healthy individuals. METHODS: VA was measured through the interpolated twitch technique. Pairs of electrical stimuli were delivered …to the QF at 40 ∘ of knee flexion during maximal voluntary contractions. Twenty-five healthy participants (20–38 years, 12 women, 13 men) completed two testing sessions with a 14-day interval. VA values were linearized through logit transformation (VA l ). The MRD was estimated from intraclass correlation coefficients (model 2.1). RESULTS: The VA (median, range) was 84.20% (38.2–99.9%) in ISOM and 94.22% (33.8–100%) in ISOK. MRD was 0.78 and 1.12 logit for ISOM and ISOK, respectively. As an example, in terms of percent VA these values correspond to a change from 76% to 95% and from 79% to 98% in ISOM and in ISOK, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The provided MRD values allow to detect significant individual changes in VA, as expected after training and rehabilitation programs. Show more

Keywords: Voluntary activation, isokinetic, quadriceps, minimal real difference, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/IES-203241

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 277-289, 2021

Authors: Oh, Dasom | Lim, Wootaek

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although the medial and lateral hamstrings are clearly distinct anatomically and have different functions in the transverse plane, they are often considered as one muscle during rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity between the prone position and the supine position during maximal isometric contraction and to additionally confirm the effect of submaximal isometric contractions on EMG activity of medial and lateral hamstrings, and force. METHODS: In the prone position, EMG activities of the long head of biceps femoris (BFLH) and semitendinosus (ST) were measured …during the maximal isometric contraction. In the supine position, hip extension force with EMG activity were measured during the maximal and the submaximal isometric contractions. RESULTS: EMG activity in the prone position was significantly decreased in the supine position. In the supine position, there was a significant difference between the BFLH and ST during the maximal isometric contraction, but not during the submaximal isometric contractions. CONCLUSIONS: The dependence on the hamstrings could be relatively lower during hip extensions. When the medial and lateral hamstrings are considered separately, the lateral hamstrings may show a more active response, with increased muscle length, in clinical practice. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, force, intensity, hamstrings

DOI: 10.3233/IES-204172

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 291-298, 2021

Authors: Jacisko, Jakub | Stribrny, Martin | Novak, Jakub | Busch, Andrew | Cerny, Pavel | Kolar, Pavel | Kobesova, Alena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The evaluation of postural trunk muscle function is a critical component of clinical assessment in patients with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Postural activation of the trunk muscles has been evaluated by various methods. This study evaluates the correlation between subjective assessment of postural trunk muscle function with an objective measurement of abdominal wall expansion. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy participants (16 women, 9 men, age 22.4 years) were assessed. The subjective assessment was performed by two experienced Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) clinicians evaluating the quality of trunk stabilization using five postural stability tests through palpation and observation. …Interrater reliability was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Objective measurement was performed using a new device (DNS Brace) which externally measures abdominal wall pressure. Spearman rank correlations were calculated for both palpation and observation measures with DNS Brace data. RESULTS: The interrater reliability (ICC2,k) estimates demonstrated moderate reliability in palpation measures for three DNS tests: Hip flexion test, Diaphragm test, & Intra-abdominal pressure regulation test (IAPRT) (ICC = 0.645–0.707). For observation measures, good reliability was found in IAPRT (ICC = 0.835), and three tests demonstrated moderate reliability: Hip flexion test, Diaphragm test, & Breathing Stereotype (ICC = 0.577–0.695). Correlation analysis demonstrated several moderate to strong correlations between palpation and DNS brace values (Assessor 1): IAPRT, r s = 0.580, p = 0.002, Diaphragm test, r s = 0.543, p = 0.005, (Assessor 2): IAPRT, r s = 0.776, p < 0.001, Breathing Stereotype, r s = 0.625, p = 0.001, Diaphragm test, r s = 0.519, p = 0.008, Hip Flexion test, r s = 0.536, p = 0.006, and Arm Elevation test, r s = 0.460, p = 0.021. For observation, several moderate correlations were demonstrated with DNS brace values (Assessor 1): Arm Elevation test, r s = 0.472, p = 0.017, (Assessor 2) Diaphragm test, r s = 0.540, p = 0.005, IAPRT r s = 0.475, p = 0.016, Hip Flexion test, r s = 0.485, p = 0.014, and Arm Elevation, r s = 0.451, p = 0.024. CONCLUSION: Based on inter-rater reliability and DNS brace correlations with trained DNS professionals, the IAPRT, Diaphragm test, and Hip Flexion test may prove useful when assessing asymptomatic individuals. More research is needed in order to establish the utility of DNS brace and clinical testing both in asymptomatic and back pain populations. DNS tests must be supplemented by further examinations for definitive clinical decision making. Show more

Keywords: Postural stabilization, breathing, abdominal muscles, intra-abdominal pressure, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization

DOI: 10.3233/IES-205238

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 299-308, 2021

Authors: Ulupınar, Süleyman | İnce, İzzet

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Strength-power tests are commonly used to monitor performance improvement and to assess preparedness for competition in weightlifters. Previous studies were limited to male weightlifters, consisted of a small number of tests, or used small samples of female weightlifters. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the strongest indicators of weightlifting performance (WPER) and to reveal the relationships between competition performance and strength-power tests in junior female weightlifters. METHODS: Forty-two female weightlifters (age: 17.8 ± 2.3 years, body mass: 56.6 ± 8.1 kg; height: 156.1 …± 5.8) participated in this study. Participants were tested on a series of performance indicators including Wingate anaerobic power (lower and upper body), isokinetic leg force, vertical jumps, handgrip strength, and isometric leg strength following a national weightlifting competition. Competition performance was calculated with the Sinclair equation. Pearson correlation analysis was used to reveal the relationships between strength-power variables and Sinclair score, and Ridge regression analysis was used to determine the strongest indicators of WPER. RESULTS: The main results showed that Wingate leg peak power (L-PP) and countermovement jump height (CMJ) were the strongest indicators for WPER. They accounted for 74% of the common variance. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between strength-power variables (r = 0.41–0.846) and Sinclair score. CONCLUSIONS: This study’s findings suggest that the strongest predictors of WPER are L-PP and CMJ, and these tests can be used to monitor WPER in junior female weightlifters. Show more

Keywords: Olympic weightlifting, Wingate, countermovement jump, isokinetic strength, vertical jump, isometric leg strength

DOI: 10.3233/IES-202250

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 309-317, 2021

Authors: Gençoğlu, Cebrail | Şen, İlhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The inability of athletes to train or the decrease in the intensity and frequency of training may cause athletes to lose performance. Particularly in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining strength outside the normal framework provides an advantage to athletes for the next competitions. OBJECTIVE: To compare the CrossFit Barbara which can be applied easily at home during the off-season or some situations such as the epidemic limitation to classic resistance training methods used to maintain the strength performance of national kickboxers. METHODS: Forty-three national kickboxers, CrossFit (CF, n = …22), and resistance training (RT, n = 21), participated in this study. While CF performed 20 pull-ups, 30 push-ups, 40 sit-ups, and 50 squat exercises, RT performed bench press, lat pull down, leg press, biceps curl, and triceps extension exercises twice per week for six weeks. Before and after the six weeks, the following variables were measured; body mass (BM) and body fat percentage (FP), VO 2max , bench press (BP), squat (SQ), leg strength (LS), hand grip strength (HGS), pull-up, push-up and counter movement jump (CMJ). RESULTS: BP (p < 0.001, F = 41.125, η p 2 = 0.501), SQ (p < 0.001, F = 26.604, η p 2 = 0.394), LS (p < 0.001, F = 15.234, η p 2 = 0.271), push-up (p < 0.001, F = 31.978, η p 2 = 0.438) and pull-up (p < 0.001, F = 24.410, η p 2 = 0.373) values changed significantly in group-time interaction between CF and RT groups, while there was no significant difference for the BM (p = 0.198, F = 1.715, η p 2 = 0.040), Fat (p = 0.265, F = 1.279, η p 2 = 0.030), HGS (p = 0.665, F = 0.190, η p 2 = 0.005, CMJ (p = 0.054, F = 3.946, η p 2 = 0.088) and VO 2max (p = 0.747, F = 0.106, η p 2 = 0.003). Furthermore, according to the before and after study values, BP, SQ, LS, and CMJ decreased significantly (p < 0.05) while BM, FP, HGS, VO 2max , pull-up and push-up variables did not in the CF (p > 0.05). In the RT, the pull-up and push-up variables decreased significantly (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference for BP, SQ, LS, HGS, VO 2max , body mass, body fat percentage and CMJ (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CF Barbara workout was more effective in maintaining strength endurance performances, and RT in maintaining maximum strength performances. According to the individual performance needs of athletes, reasonable training method can be used to prevent performance decrement in the strength domain. Show more

Keywords: Combat sports, exercise, functional training, loss of performance, power

DOI: 10.3233/IES-203190

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 319-326, 2021

Authors: Jeon, Jeongwoo | Lee, Jiyeon | Hong, Jiheon | Yu, Jaeho | Kim, Jinseop | Lee, Dongyeop

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dynamic balance is an essential factor for efficient pitching by baseball pitchers. OBJECTIVE: To compare distances reached and lower-extremity muscle activity during the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in baseball pitchers and healthy young adults. METHODS: Nineteen baseball pitchers (BPG) and 20 healthy adults (HAG) were recruited. Surface EMG was used to measure the activity of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior, and lateral gastrocnemius. RESULTS: The BPG exhibited greater dynamic balance than in the HAG (p < 0.05) in the posteromedial …(PM) and posterolateral (PL) directions. For the PM and PL directions, significantly greater muscle activity of VM and VL was found in the BPG than in the HAG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SEBT performance is characterized by high-level VM and VL muscle activities. Neuromuscular control of knee extensors, such as the VM and VL of pitchers, might affect the dynamic balance measured by the SEBT. Show more

Keywords: Baseball pitcher, dynamic balance, star excursion balance test, electromyography, lower extremity

DOI: 10.3233/IES-203163

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 327-333, 2021

Authors: Jones, Paul | Ivey, Patrick | Skutnik, Ben | Cocco, Adam R. | Colborn, Chris E. | Daily, Jennifer P. | Caruso, John F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Global positioning system (GPS) data, when obtained from athletes offers unique information on their performance. Given the information GPS data provides, it is important to identify data most pertinent to an athlete’s performance. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a GPS-based running quality variable to predict the variance in total player load (TPL) and player load per minute (PLPM) from female soccer player (n = 26) data. METHODS: Running quality was the ratio of the displacement per minute to total distance covered. TPL was quantified as the sum of velocity …change rates in all three planes of motion, while PLPM was a ratio of load generated per minute of activity. RESULTS: With a logarithmic transformation of TPL data, a Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis revealed running quality accounted for significant (r = - 0.65) amounts of our criterion’s variance, which implied higher running quality led to lower log (TPL) values. With PLPM as our dependent variable, running quality correlated with significant (r = 0.63) amounts of our criterion’s variance. CONCLUSIONS: Movement efficiency appears to be an important contributor to our correlations. We suggest running quality be examined as a correlate to performance in other sports in which running is crucial to success. Show more

Keywords: Global positioning system, soccer, efficiency

DOI: 10.3233/IES-203159

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 335-341, 2021

Authors: Özgünen, Kerem | Özdemir, Çiğdem | Adaş, Ümüt | Kilci, Abdullah | Boyraz, Cumhur | Eryilmaz, Selcen Korkmaz | Günaşti, Özgür | Askeri, Nedim | Kurdak, Sadi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sprint drills are part of the soccer training routine for their resemblance to match activities. There is a lack of information in the literature about the changes in isokinetic skeletal muscle strength in response to sprint training. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of eight weeks, on-season repeated sprint training with a change of direction on isokinetic strength parameters in well-trained youth soccer players. METHODS: Nineteen well-trained youth soccer players volunteered to participate in the study. The training program included three sets of six, 40 m (20 + 20 …m) shuttle sprints twice a week for eight weeks. Isokinetic peak moment, work, and power of knee extensors and flexors were measured at angular velocities of 60, 180 and 240 ∘ /s. Pre- and post-training valid isokinetic sector data were compared. RESULTS: Following the training period, dominant and non-dominant legs’ peak moment, work, and power values for both extensor and flexor muscle groups improved significantly at various angular velocities. CONCLUSIONS: Isokinetic strength enhancement may be explained with the induction of muscle hypertrophy following a prolonged period of sprint training. Show more

Keywords: Muscle strength, valid isokinetic sector

DOI: 10.3233/IES-202231

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 343-351, 2021