An Isokinetic Estimation of Total Arm Strength

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Schexneider, Malton A.^{a; *; **} | Catlin, Pamela A.^{a; ***} | Davies, George J.^{a; ****} | Mattson, Paul A.^{a; *****}

Affiliations: [a] Emory University

Note: [*] Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Associates, 6400 Dutchmans Parkway, Suite 20, Louisville, KY 40205. This study partially fulfilled the requirement for the Master of Medical Science degree in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Note: [**] Address reprint requests to Malton A. Schexneider, Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Associates, 6400 Dutchmans Parkway, Suite 20, Louisville, KY 40205.

Note: [***] Associate Professor and Director, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332.

Note: [****] Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Note: [*****] Georgia Sports Institute, Atlanta, GA 30067.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine upper extremity strength values. Thirty healthy, nonathletic males participated. Bilateral upper extremity isokinetic testing of shoulder, elbow, and wrist occurred at speeds of 60, 180, and 300 deg/sec. Total arm strength (TAS), total arm work (TAW), and total arm average power (TAAP) were calculated for each extremity. A paired t-test was used to compare TAS, TAW, and TAAP values between the dominant and nondominant upper extremities. Statistically significant differences between upper extremities were observed at all three speeds for TAS, TAW, and TAAP. The relationship between body weight and each of the variables of TAS, TAW, and TAAP was statistically significant for TAS and TAW at all three speeds, while TAAP demonstrated a correlation only at 180 deg/sec. Further research is needed in the area of total arm strength.

Keywords: Total arm strength (TAS), total arm work (TAW), total arm average power (TAAP), upper extremity isokinetic evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1991-1301

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 117-121, 1991