Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Kyeongbuk, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Yong-Jun Cha, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University, 62, Daehackro, Dong-Gu, Daejeon 34520, Korea. Tel.: +82 42 280 2292; Fax: +82 42 280 2295; E-mail:cha0874@gmail.com
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of two different active
ankle positions during training on the strengths of knee extensors and
flexors. METHODS: A sample of 21 healthy adults was randomized into ankle
dorsiflexion (AD, N= 11) and ankle plantarflexion (AP, N= 10) training groups.
Subjects were trained isokinetically and concentrically in knee extension
and flexion under these two actively fixed, contracted ankle conditions,
four times a week for three weeks. RESULTS: AD group showed significant strength improvements in both
peak moment and total work. These improvements were also higher
significantly, between 29-59% compared to those gained by AP group. CONCLUSION: Active ankle dorsiflexion during concentric isokinetic
knee strength training may be more efficient for improving knee extensors
and flexors strength than a plantarflexed position.
