Affiliations: [a] University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Department
of Sports Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia | [b] University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Department
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Edvin Dervišević, MD, PhD,
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Department of Sports Medicine,
Gortanova 22 Street, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Tel.: +386 41 341 790; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Background. Back strength is an important factor in the functional
assessment of chronic low back patients and therefore ensuring the
reproducibility of the findings is of critical importance. So far the studies
were focusing on relative indices that turned out to be an inappropriate method
due to possibility of bias. Furthermore the reproducibility of eccentric trunk
flexors strength findings that may play a role in numerous sport activities has
never been evaluated. Objective. To evaluate the reproducibility of
isokinetic eccentric and concentric strength of the trunk flexors and extensors
in healthy subjects using the absolute reproducibility indices. Methods.
Twenty seven young healthy physical education male students were tested twice
over a period of one week using an isokinetic dynamometer. The main outcome
measure was isokinetic peak torque. Results. Strength scores of the trunk
flexors and extensors evidenced clinically acceptable reproducibility. This
conclusion was valid irrespective of the testing velocity or type of
contraction. Conclusion. Concentricand eccentric isokinetic testing of
the trunk flexors and extensors muscles is a viable option for the testing of
healthy subjects.
