Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume 30, issue 3

Authors: Bohannon, Richard W.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have addressed the relationship between paretic knee extension strength and comfortable walking speed after stroke. However, the correlations reported are highly variable. This review sought to summarize the correlational data using meta-analysis. METHODS: Relevant literature was identified via a search of 3 bibliographic databases. Articles were screened and perused for inclusion. Included articles were examined for information on the sample studied, procedures for measuring strength and gait speed, and correlations reported between the 2 variables. Meta-analysis was used to calculate a summary correlation. RESULTS: Of 299 unique articles, …18 met inclusion criteria. Articles were diverse in regard to samples studied, procedures described, and correlations reported. Meta-analysis using data from all included studies revealed a summary correlation of 0.51. For studies using hand-held or isokinetic dynamometry, the summary correlation was 0.46 and 0.59 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a better indication of the correlation between paretic knee extension strength and comfortable gait speed than individual studies. The correlation is high enough to provide support for the routine measurement of paretic knee extension force for individuals who have experienced a stroke. Show more

Keywords: Muscle, strength, gait

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210139

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 187-191, 2022

Authors: Farrag, Ahmed | Almusallam, Moath | Almulhim, Nora | Alzahrani, Eidan | Alowa, Zaenab | Elsayed, Walaa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessment of the plantar flexion (PF) isokinetic performance has been greatly diverse and based on personal preferences rather than standardized guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To examine the performance of the plantar flexors under different settings including knee joint angle and subject position. METHODS: Thirteen women and 20 men took part in this study. The isokinetic protocol (60 ∘ /s) was set to ankle movement between 10 ∘ dorsiflexion to 30 ∘ PF. Participants performed three repetitions of concentric PF in randomly-ordered knee angles; …15 ∘ , 45 ∘ and 90 ∘ , and in seated and supine positions. Surface electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the Soleus (SOL) and Gastrocnemius. RESULTS: Knee angle impacted the PF moment (P ⩽ 0.001–0.026) and work (P ⩽ 0.05) measures in both genders. The moment and work measures were significantly less in the 90 ∘ than those in the 45 ∘ and 15 ∘ positions. The 45 ∘ position had the highest values, particularly in sitting in the male participants. Only the GL EMG data was significantly impacted (P = 0.017) by the subject position. However, the difference was trivial (1.6%). The SOL muscle showed a consistent pattern of increased activity when the knee was in flexion. CONCLUSION: The 45 ∘ position seems to be optimal for obtaining the highest isokinetic PF scores. Show more

Keywords: Knee position, Triceps Surae, moment, electromyography

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210195

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 193-201, 2022

Authors: Kim, Jun-Hee | Kwon, Oh-Yun | Hwang, Ui-Jae | Jung, Sung-Hoon | Ahn, Sun-Hee | Gwak, Gyeong-Tae

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The focus of exercises for restoring the imbalance between scapular upward rotator muscles – upper trapezius (UT), serratus anterior (SA), and lower trapezius (LT) – commonly aims to increase SA and LT activities while not increasing UT activity. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the activity of the UT, SA, and LT muscles during scapation and protraction exercises, which are two traditional exercises, and during a newly designed scapular upward rotation (SUR) exercise. METHODS: A total of 29 healthy young adult men performed all three exercises with maximum isometric contraction. The …electromyographic activities of the UT, SA, and LT were recorded. RESULTS: UT demonstrated the highest activity during scapation. SA activity was the lowest during protraction. However, no difference was found in SA activity during the performance of scapation and SUR. The SA/UT ratio was the highest during scapation. CONCLUSIONS: SUR is a new exercise that can be performed at moderate intensity for shoulder rehabilitation to restore scapular upward rotator muscle imbalance. Show more

Keywords: Scapula, trapezius muscle, serratus anterior

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210181

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 203-210, 2022

Authors: Costa, Filipe E. | Kons, Rafael L. | Nakamura, Fabio Y. | Pupo, Juliano Dal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged fatigue effects may be a concern after futsal matches mainly because of the actions performed by futsal players (e.g., sprinting, jumping) that usually involve the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). However, there no studies analyzed the prolonged effects of futsal-specific fatigue and how futsal players can recover from performance tasks. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the acute and prolonged effects of a protocol that simulates specific physical demands of futsal on countermovement-jump, sprint performance, muscle strength and muscle soreness. METHODS: Fifteen amateur futsal male athletes (18.3 ± 3.8 years) performed a futsal …intermittent running protocol (FIRP) and were assessed for (moment production, sprint and jumping performance and muscle soreness) at pre, during half-time, immediately after, post 24 and 48 hours after the FIRP. Analysis of variance (repeated measures) was used to compare variable means over time. RESULTS: The main results indicated a decrement in the CMJ height (p = 0.03) and an increase of 10 m and 20 m sprint times (p = 0.01–p < 0.01, respectively) during half-time and the post FIRP. There was a decrement in eccentric peak moment of the knee extensors (p = 0.02) and flexors (p < 0.01) until 48h post protocol and a decrement in concentric peak moment of the flexors (p < 0.01) post protocol. Athletes reported muscle soreness in the hamstrings (p = 0.03) post and 24 h after the FIRP. CONCLUSION: FIRP induced acute effects in the jump and sprint performances only. On the other hand, the knee moment production capability (mainly eccentric) suffered acute and also prolonged effects of the FIRP accompanied by delayed muscle soreness in the hamstring muscles. Show more

Keywords: Athletic performance, exercise, fatigue, futsal

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210153

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 211-219, 2022

Authors: Alyami, Rahmah Mohammad | Alhowikan, Abdulrahman Mohammed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease is characterized by exertion dyspnea, exercise limitation and reduced quality of life. The role of exercise training in this diverse patient group is unclear. The growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-sensitive circulating factor that regulates systemic energy balance and could be a possible biomarker in interstitial lung disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of supervised exercise (endurance and resistance) training (SET) on exercise capacity, pulmonary function parameters and GDF15 levels in patients with interstitial lung disease (PwILD). METHODS: In this non-randomized case-control trial, the experimental group comprised …of 10 PwILD (7 women and 3 men) while the control group consisted of of 18 apparently healthy participants s 11 women and 7 men). All subjects completed an 8-week supervised exercise training program, at a rate of twice a week. Dyspnea was evaluated using the Shortness of Breath Respiratory Questionnaire. Exercise capacity was measured using the 6-min walk test while the heart rate (HR) was monitored before and after the exercise training. GDF15 levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: PwILD had significantly shorter 6-min walk distance than the control subjects at both the 1 st and the 15 th visit. However, both groups improved significantly in this test. The change (pre to post-exercise) in HR value was smaller in PwILD compared to the controls. Moreover, PwILD had higher Shortness of Breath Respiratory Questionnaire score than controls. The mean pre and post GDF15 values in both groups remained statistically unchanged. However the GDF15 values of the PwILD patients were significantly higher compared to the controls with respect to pre and post exercise training respectively. CONCLUSION: Supervised exercise training did not affect GDF15 levels in both patient and control groups but its values in PwILD were significantly higher compared to those of controls (p ⩽ 0.05 ). The exercise capacity and dyspnea in these patients improved after exercise training program. Show more

Keywords: Exercise capacity, growth differentiation factor 15, interstitial lung disease, supervised exercise training, pulmonary function parameters

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210123

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 221-229, 2022

Authors: Lipovšek, Tjaša | Kacin, Alan | Puh, Urška

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) is used to assess muscle strength in various patient populations, but many variations in protocols exist. OBJECTIVE: First, to systematically develop a protocol of HHD for all lower limb muscle groups and evaluate intra-rater reliability; second, to validate HHD with fixed dynamometry for the knee flexor and extensor muscles. METHODS: Thirty healthy young adults (women: men – 15:15) participated in two testing sessions. HHD of 12 lower limb muscle groups was performed in both sessions, while fixed dynamometry of knee muscle groups was performed only in the second session. …RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability of HHD was good for five muscle groups and excellent for seven muscle groups (ICC3, k = 0.80–0.96). The criterion validity of HHD ranged from very good to excellent for the knee flexors (r = 0.77–0.89) and from good to very good for the knee extensors (r = 0.65–0.78). However, peak moment values for the knee extensor muscles were underestimated by 32% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed HHD protocol provides reliable and valid measurements of lower limb muscle isometric strength in healthy adults, which may also be used to test patients with mild muscle strength deficits. However, possible underestimation of absolute strength must be considered when interpreting the results of knee extensors or other large muscles. Show more

Keywords: Muscle strength, isometric contraction, dynamometer, reliability, validity

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210168

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 231-240, 2022

Authors: Ojeda-Aravena, Alex | Herrera-Valenzuela, Tomás | Valdés-Badilla, Pablo | Martín, Eduardo Baez-San | Zapata-Bastías, José | Aedo-Muñoz, Esteban | García-García, José Manuel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In taekwondo the ability to repeat high-intensity efforts is characteristic of the sport. The Frequency speed of kick test (FSKT) is frequently used to assess this ability, although its influence on aerobic capacity and dynamic strength characteristics has received less attention in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between specific high-intensity intermittent efforts with aerobic capacity and slow stretch-shortening cycle utilization in taekwondo athletes. METHODS: Nineteen taekwondo male athletes were assessed by squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-meter shuttle run (20MSR), and frequency speed of kick test multiple (FSKT MULT …). From the FSKT MULT , total kicks and kick decrement index [KDI] were calculated. Additionally, from both jump tests, the slow stretch-shortening cycle utilization (Slow SSC Utilization) was determined from the eccentric utilization ratio [EUR], pre-stretch augmentation [PSA], and reactive strength index [RSI]. RESULTS: There were positive and significant correlations between total kicks with 20MSR (r = 0.85; p = 0.00) and SJ (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). The multiple regression model demonstrated that total kicks where significantly influenced by 20MSR (R 2 = 71%; p = 0.00). Additionally, only EUR and RSI explained total kicks performance to a greater proportion (R 2 = 76%). CONCLUSIONS: The FSKT MULT total kicks performance is positively correlated and influenced by aerobic capacity and slow SSC utilization. Show more

Keywords: Combat sports, martial arts, physical fitness, exercise, athletes

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210210

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 241-250, 2022

Authors: Murofushi, Koji | Yamaguchi, Daisuke | Hirohata, Kenji | Furuya, Hidetaka | Mitomo, Sho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Muscle activation during isometric contraction can be changed using an external-focus instruction method. OBJECTIVE: To explore and compare the activity of eight upper limb and trunk muscles during isometric chest squeeze exercises, performed in the same posture with and without the exertion of control to avoid crushing an object. METHODS: Muscle activation by an isometric chest squeeze with 45 ∘ shoulder abduction and forearm pronation was examined. Isometric chest squeeze exercises were performed while holding objects with maximum pressure, and with exerted control to avoid crushing the object …Muscle activation was measured by surface electromyography. RESULTS: During the exercises performed while exerting control to avoid crushing the object the lower trapezius (p < 0.001) and latissimus dorsi (p = 0.03) showed significantly higher activity. During the exercises performed without control, the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major showed significantly higher activity (p = 0.016, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This novel isometric exercise can increase the scapular muscles in the intermediate range of the glenohumeral joint. Therefore, it may assist in improving sport performance, in preventing injuries and in rehabilitation following musculoskeletal injuries. Show more

Keywords: Isometric contraction, trapezius muscle, shoulder, instruction, exercise therapy

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210215

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 251-258, 2022

Authors: Van Haele, Thomas | Moerman, L. | Duvigneaud, N. | Van Tiggelen, D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In order to guide sports active subjects with musculoskeletal (MSK) shoulder dysfunctions it is essential to have precise insights of possible weak links in the kinetic chain of their shoulder girdle with access to reference data. Equally, it is uncertain whether so-called functional shoulder strength tests are complementary to an isokinetic shoulder strength test. OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values and to clarify the relationship between two upper extremity field tests – the Scapular Muscle Endurance test (SME) and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) and the isokinetic strength test of the shoulder …internal (IR) and external rotators (ER). METHODS: Seventy-six male sport active men performed the CKCUEST, the SME, and underwent a bilateral isokinetic strength test to establish reference values of the isokinetic shoulder relative to body mass Peak Moment (PM/kg) and Power (Power/kg) for the IR and ER. A mixed-design ANOVA calculated possible side-to-side differences and one-way ANOVA was applied for eventually age group differences. Additionally, the relationship between the three tests was examined with a Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. RESULTS: No significant correlations were indicated between the SME and the criterion isokinetic test and between the SME and CKCUEST. CONCLUSIONS: The main outcome parameters in this study warrant individual assessment as they measure different constructs, leading to a diverse profile of the shoulder. Show more

Keywords: Scapular muscle endurance test, upper extremity field test, isokinetic test, shoulder

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210128

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 259-271, 2022

Authors: Hadžić, Vedran | Dervišević, Edvin | Pori, Primož | Hadžić, Alen | Sattler, Tine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff weakness is considered an important risk factor for shoulder injuries in volleyball. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate association of shoulder preseason strength status with shoulder injury occurrence in subsequent season. METHODS: Volleyball players (N = 181; 99 men) from Slovenian 1 st and 2 nd national league volunteered to participate in this prospective cohort study. Preseason isokinetic testing of the shoulder was conducted at 60 ∘ /s in the concentric mode of contraction over a RoM …of 60 ∘ with five repetitions of internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation. During the subsequent season the players reported shoulders injuries through a weekly questionnaire. RESULTS: During the season we have registered 14 (7.7%) shoulder injuries (10 in men). All injuries affected the dominant shoulder. There was significant preseason weakness of ER and lower ER/IR strength ratio in players with shoulder injury. Normal strength ratio ER/IR was a significant protective factor (Exp (B) = 0.217, 95% C.I. 0.058–0.811) for shoulder injury occurrence when controlled for sex and previous injury. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of systematic strengthening of the external rotators of the shoulder is necessary, especially for male volleyball players, as part of preventive measures for the prevention of shoulder injuries. Show more

Keywords: Isokinetic testing, assymetry, injury risk, muscle strength

DOI: 10.3233/IES-210127

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 273-278, 2022

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/IES-229001

Citation: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 279-279, 2022