Concurrent validity and reliability of standing and supine test positions for measuring passive resistive torque of the plantar flexors

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Porter, M.M.^a | Vandervoort, A.A.^{a; *} | Kramer, J.F.^a

Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Kinesiology and Department of Physical Therapy, Elborn College, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6G 1H1

Note: [*] Corresponding author, Phone: + 1 5196792111 ext. 8844; Fax: + 1 519 6613866.

Abstract: The purposes of the study were: (1) to determine the test-retest reliability of testing passive resistive torque (PRT) of the ankle plantar flexors in a weight-bearing position; and (2) to determine the concurrent validity of standing and supine test positions. Separate groups of older (60–75 years) and younger (20–35 years) women were tested either on two occasions for the standing position, or on one occasion in both the standing and supine positions. For all testing, the velocity on a KIN-COM was set at 6 deg/s, and the ankle was moved from 10° plantar flexion (PF) to 10° dorsiflexion (DF) over six continuous cycles. PRT at 10° DF determined in standing had excellent reliability (ICCs > 0.85). PRT values in the standing and the supine positions were highly related (r = 0.91, P < 0.01). Therefore, PRT can be tested in a standing position on a commercially available isokinetic dynamometer.

Keywords: Passive resistive torque, Ankle plantar flexors, Young and aged female

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1996-53-402

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 5, no. 3-4, pp. 115-120, 1996