Reproducibility of isokinetic trunk muscle torque evaluation in postpartum women

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Potter, Helen M.^{a; *} | Strauss, Geoffrey R.^a

Affiliations: [a] School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Selby St. Shenton Park, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia

Note: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +61 09 351 3665, fax: +61 09 351 3636, E-mail: h.potter@info.curtin.edu.au.

Abstract: Isokinetic trunk muscle strength of 36 postpartum women was evaluated using the Kin-Com dynamometer at 24 and 25 weeks following vaginal delivery of a healthy infant. Test-retest reproducibility of a standardised isokinetic testing protocol was evaluated in concentric and eccentric muscle actions through a 50° range of motion at velocities of 20 deg/s and 40 deg/s for the trunk flexors and extensors. Moderate agreement was found for inter-test reproducibility (ICCs from 0.67 to 0.85; CVs from 8.8% to 15.9%). Intratest reproducibility was high (ICCs from 0.90 to 0.95). The ratio of trunk extensor to flexor strength was similar in both concentric and eccentric action at both velocities (p>0.05). The ratio of strength at the two velocities was similar for both muscle groups in both actions (p>0.05). Eccentric strength was significantly higher than concentric strength. Eccentric strength did not vary with velocity while concentric strength displayed an inverse relationship with velocity (p<0.05).

Keywords: Trunk muscle strength, Postpartum, Abdominals, Isokinetics

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1997-6304

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 187-196, 1997