Effect of ankle position on knee flexor and extensor torque

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Miller, John P.^{a; *} | Catlaw, Kerriann^a | Angelopoulas, Charles^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA

Note: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 603 8620263; Fax: + 1 603 8620154. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle position on knee flexor and extensor torque at 60 and 180°/s. Twelve female athletes had their dominant and non-dominant limb tested on a Cybex II + dynamometer (Cybex, Ronkonkoma, NY) under two conditions: with the ankle plantarflexed and dorsiflexed. Paired t-tests showed no statistical differences in knee extensor torque. Significant differences were noted in knee flexor torque at both 60 (P < 0.05) and 180 (P < 0.01)°/s with the greatest torque being seen with the ankle in the dorsiflexed position. These results suggest that ankle position affects knee flexor torque during open chain isokinetic movements.

Keywords: Ankle, Plantarflexion, Dorsiflexion, Knee, Torque

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1996-6212

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 153-155, 1996