Qualitative analysis of the isokinetic moment curve of the knee extensors

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ayalon, M.^a | Barak, Y.^a | Rubinstein, M.^a

Affiliations: [a] The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the Wingate Institute, Israel

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Moshe Ayalon, Ph.D., Head of Life Science Department, The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute 42902, Israel. Fax: +972 9 8650960; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the isokinetic moment curve (IMC) of the knee extensors after ACL reconstruction using a qualitative approach. Fourteen professional soccer players after ACL reconstruction participated in this study. All subjects were free of any clinical symptoms related to the injury or surgery. The concentric strength of knee extensors was measured bilaterally using an isokinetic dynamometer. Each subject was tested twice, before and after 3 weeks of isokinetic training. For each test, the IMCs of the knee extensors were analyzed by two examiners. The examiners were asked to differentiate between the involved and uninvolved side and classify the IMC of the involved side. The results indicate that a qualitative analysis of the shape of IMC is a valuable tool for patient evaluation and rehabilitation.

Keywords: isokinetic, moment curve, shape, irregularity, consistency

DOI: 10.3233/IES-2002-0096

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 145-151, 2002