The effect of combined visual feedback and verbal encouragement on isokinetic concentric performance in healthy females

Article type: Research Article

Authors: O'Sullivan, Anita^a | O'Sullivan, Kieran^b

Affiliations: [a] Ashleigh, Renville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland | [b] Department of Physiotherapy, University of Limerick, Ireland

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kieran O'Sullivan, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland. Tel.: +353 61 234119; Fax: +353 61 234251; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare isokinetic concentric quadriceps and hamstring performance in healthy females in the absence of feedback versus combined visual feedback and verbal encouragement at 60, 180 and 300°/s. A repeated-measures randomised cross-over design was used. Twenty two asymptomatic females were tested at the three test velocities under two randomly ordered conditions: (a) combined visual feedback and verbal encouragement; and (b) no feedback. The two sessions were separated by seven days. Examination of results revealed that with feedback there was a statistically significant increase in peak torque at the three test velocities (p<0.05) for both muscles. This study demonstrated that combined feedback can result in increased concentric muscle performance in females at three test velocities.

Keywords: Feedback, isokinetics, muscle, knee

DOI: 10.3233/IES-2008-0295

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 47-53, 2008