Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press
Purchase individual online access for 1 year to this journal.
Price: EUR 125.00
Impact Factor 2023: 0.7
Isokinetics and Exercise Science (IES) is an international journal devoted to the study of theoretical and applied aspects of human muscle performance. Since isokinetic dynamometry constitutes the major tool in this area, the journal takes a particular interest in exploring the considerable potential of this technology.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science publishes studies associated with the methodology of muscle performance especially with respect to the issues of reproducibility and validity of testing, description of normal and pathological mechanical parameters which are derivable from muscle testing, applications in basic research topics such as motor learning paradigms and electromyography. The journal also publishes studies on applications in clinical settings and technical aspects of the various measurement systems employed in human muscle performance research.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science welcomes submissions in the form of research papers, reviews, case studies and technical reports from professionals in the fields of sports medicine, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation and exercise physiology.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Kinesio Taping (KT) is used for musculoskeletal problems. KT optimizes and reduces mechanical stresses on soft tissues. However, the benefits of KT and traditional exercises for different severities of knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of tension KT and traditional physical therapy on different severities of knee OA. METHODS: Fifty-six male patients with knee OA, aged 60–75-y years, were allocated to groups A and B based on grades 1 and 2 and grades 3 and 4 on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, respectively. Tension KT and traditional…physical therapy were administrated to both groups for 6-wks. The extensor peak moment of quadriceps and knee flexion range of motion (ROM) were recorded using an isokinetic dynamometer and universal goniometer, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score pain level. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANCOVA test. RESULTS: ANCOVA revealed an increase in peak extensor moment of quadriceps (Pre: 51.6 ± 2.8 Nm; Post: 63.3 ± 4.3 Nm), knee flexion ROM (Pre: 112.8± ∘ 7.2; Post: 122.9± ∘ 4.8), and pain improvement (Pre: 5.1 ± 1.07; Post: 2.8 ± 1.6) in group A (p < 0.001). Group B showed insignificant improvements in all outcome measures (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: KT with traditional physical therapy improved knee pain, quadriceps strength, and knee ROM in older males with knee OA grades 1 and 2. KT and traditional physical therapy were insufficient to produce considerable effects on grades 3 and 4 of knee OA.
Show more
Keywords: Isokinetic dynamometer, kinesio taping, knee osteoarthritis, traditional physical therapy
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The acute and chronic effects of stretching preceding exercises on strength, power and muscular endurance are still not entirely clear in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To verify the acute and chronic effects of the main types of stretching (static, dynamic, PNF, and ballistic) on muscle strength, power, and endurance. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in: PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, Scopus, Science Direct, and CENTRAL. The methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis were performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: 43 studies were included in…the systematic review and 30 in the meta-analysis calculations. Only two studies showed high methodological quality. In general, static stretching had an impact on the potentiated the gain in muscle strength of the lower limbs in the long term (0.60 [0.20–1.00]). The acute (ES = 0.38 [0.05–0.70]) and long-term (ES = 1.04 [0.21–1.88]) dynamic stretching was able to potentiate the gain of muscle power in the lower limbs, while the acute PNF had an impact on the worsening of the muscular endurance (ES = 1.68 [0.83–2.53]). CONCLUSIONS: When the training objective is linked to acute effects, dynamic stretching should be prioritized before the main activity. For long-term effects, static and dynamic stretching have been shown to potentiate muscle strength and power gain, respectively, and are recommended in these cases.
Show more
Keywords: Young adults, performance, warm-up, meta-analysis
Abstract: BACKGROUND: A potential relationship may exist between the vastus medialis (VM) and the contractile efficiency of the vastus intermedius (VI) due to their anatomical connection and common innervation by the same branches of the femoral nerve. However, this relationship has not been explored using physiological experiments. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use electromyography (EMG) to investigate the functional significance of the VI and VM muscles during isometric contraction. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy male volunteers underwent EMG recordings from the VI, VM, and vastus lateralis (VL) at 90 ∘ or 30…∘ of knee flexion. The EMG pre-motor time (PMT) was measured during rapid knee extension in response to an auditory stimulus. Additionally, the M-wave latency was determined by femoral nerve stimulation and subtracted from the PMT to calculate the descending conduction time (DCT). RESULTS: DCT was shortest at VM, followed by VL and VI. The DCT difference of VI-VM was significantly greater than that of VI-VL during maximal effort at 90 ∘ of knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: VM is neurally driven to act as a pre-activator that primes the VI muscle; this tendency is particularly pronounced when explosive high-moment knee extension is required.
Show more
Keywords: Vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, descending conduction time, pre-motor time, pre-activation
Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) may experience shifts in scapular position and alterations in the strength of the muscles surrounding the scapula. Therefore, a reliable scapula position and scapula muscle strength test are required to identified scapula problem and provided appropriate intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability of scapular position measurements obtained using a modified digital inclinometer and palpation meter, as well as muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in individuals with FHP and RSP. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects underwent scapular…position tests (upward rotation, anterior tilt, depression, and protraction) and strength tests of periscapular muscles (serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius) on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The reliability of the measurements was confirmed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Test and re-tests were conducted over a period of one week and actual values for each measurement were also obtained and assessed. RESULTS: The ICC ranged from 0.802 to 0.935 for the scapular position tests and from 0.808 to 0.949 for muscle strength tests on the dominant and non-dominant sides. For scapular position tests, SEM values ranged from 0.3 cm to 0.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 1.0 ∘ to 1.7 ∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt) and MCID values ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 2.8 ∘ to 4.7 ∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt). Regarding muscle strength tests, SEM and MCID values were in the range 14.4N–27.3N and 39.9N–75.7N, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular position and periscapular muscle strength can be reproducibly measured in healthy subjects individuals with FHP and RSP. These instruments can hence be recommended for evaluating these functional traits in subjects with FHP and RSP.
Show more
Keywords: Forward head posture, rounded shoulder posture, scapula position, scapula muscle strength test
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy is widely utilized for therapeutic purposes, yet its specific effects on knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle performance in healthy individuals remain unclear. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of a 20-minute cryotherapy session on knee joint proprioception and related muscle parameters in a cohort of healthy college students. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of cryotherapy on knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle peak moment, work and power in healthy college male and female students. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy students, aged 19–23, underwent a 20-minute cryotherapy session using Cryogel…packs applied to the anterior thigh and knee. An isokinetic dynamometer measured knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle parameters before, immediately after, 10-min, and 20-min post-cryotherapy. RESULTS: Proprioception values did not significantly differ between genders or post-tests (p > 0.05). However, the female group exhibited significantly lower moment, power, and work values compared to males (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed within or between post-tests in moment, power, and work for both genders (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A 20-minute cryotherapy application demonstrated no adverse effects on knee joint proprioception or quadriceps muscle metrics in healthy college students, supporting the safety of cryotherapy in this context.
Show more