Affiliations: [a] Exercise and Sports Science Program, The University of
Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA | [b] Department of Kinesiology, California State-Fullerton,
Fullerton, CA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: John F. Caruso, Ph.D., Exercise and
Sports Science Program, The University of Tulsa, 312 Chapman Hall, 800 S.
Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA. Tel.: +1 918 631 2924; Fax: +1 918 631
2068; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Since its inception, isokinetic dynamometry has provided unique
insights into muscle function evaluations for human performance and
rehabilitation, thus they are commonly utilized in training and rehabilitative
centers, as well as in exercise science laboratories. Because such devices are
clinically relevant in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal health and assessment
of athletic prowess, it is important that isokinetic dynamometry yield accurate
performance values. Assuming no change in a person's exercise performance
capabilities, multiple isokinetic dynamometry bouts should elicit data values
that are reproducible. Variability that results from test-retest research
designs, and undermines data reliability, may be subdivided into mechanical and
physiological sources of measurement error. The following paper offers a review
of literature pertaining to the reproducibility of isokinetic dynamometry data.
The literature is subdivided and categorizes a variety of test-retest study
design papers according to the musculoskeletal segment under examination. While
most papers describe their data reproducibility results as acceptable or
better, a consistent outcome from the literature is greater variability at
higher angular velocities. For isokinetic exercise, this is perhaps its most
pressing concern, and future recommendation, that should be addressed with the
advent of newer dynamometer models. Such improvements will continue to make
isokinetic dynamometry a modality that offers the most unique insights on
muscle function evaluations for athletic performance and clinical rehabilitation.
