Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
University of Liege, CHU Sart Tilman, B35, 4000 Liege, Belgium
Note: [] Address for correspondence: J.L. Croisier, Department of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ISEPK – B21 Allée des Sports
4, B-4000 Liege, Belgium. Tel.: +32 4 366 38 90/ +32 4 366 78 25; Fax: + 32 4
366 29 01; E-mail: jlcroisier@ulg.ac.be
Abstract: Objective. To establish the inter-session reproducibility of
isokinetic concentric strength and fatigue profile of the elbow flexors and
extensors in sedentary women. Methods. Forty healthy women who were physically inactive or engaged
in recreational sports were included in the study. Strength was evaluated at 60
and 180°/s. The fatigue protocol consisted of 30 maximal-intensity elbow
flexion and extension at 180°/s. Results. The extensors were stronger than flexors while no dominance
effect was apparent. In addition the work output of the extensors during the
fatigue protocol was larger than the flexors', the previous being more fatigue
resistant. A dominance effect was observed for the extensors in the fatiguing
protocol. Reproducibility expressed by the coefficient of variation was less or
equal to 11%. Conclusions. This study highlights satisfactory reproducibility of
isokinetic strength and fatigue parameters. The values derived may be useful
for interpretation of clinical tests or characterization of pathological states
in women with similar characteristics.
