Affiliations: [a] University of Delaware, Athletic Training Research
Laboratory, Newark, DE, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Katherine E. Morrison, MS, ATC,
Doctoral Student in Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware,
Athletic Training Research Lab., 541 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716,
USA. Tel.: +1 302 831 8222; Fax: +1 302 831 3693; E-mail: kolarke@udel.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of
measurements derived from a plantar flexion and dorsiflexion isokinetic test
protocol. Recreationally active men (n=8) and women
(n=18) were seated in 30° of trunk flexion and full knee extension (0° of knee
flexion) and performed three concentric and eccentric dorsiflexion and plantar
flexion movements at the speeds of 30°/s and
120°/s on two different occasions. Peak torque (PT)
and average torque (AT) measurements were obtained and compared across the two
sessions. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC's) values indicated
acceptable reproducibility for the concentric and eccentric PT and AT values of
dorsiflexion (range from 0.77–0.93) and plantar flexion (range from
0.78–0.95). The corresponding Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) values
indicated a good level of measurement precision. These findings suggest that
this isokinetic test protocol involving an extended knee position for isolating
PF and DF ankle motions produces reliable measurements. This test protocol
offers a viable alternative to traditional test positions used to assess
isokinetic strength in the ankle joint.
