Muscular power in young women after slow and fast isokinetic training*

The purpose of this study was to determine, via a pilot study, if training at a fast isokinetic velocity (180 degrees /sec) would result in a greater increase in upper-extremity muscular power than training at a slow isokinetic velocity (60 /sec) while exercising through a specific range of motion (1 80"). Twenty normal young women were randomly selected into one high velocity and one slow velocity experimental group. The exercise protocol consisted of four bouts of five maximal reciprocal isokinetic contractions of the shoulder flexor and extensor muscle groups, three times a week for four weeks. Pre- and post-testing with a Cybex I$ isokinetic dynamometer was performed to determine if significant power gains were elicited within the training range of motion. Aiter training, both fast and slow velocity groups showed significant power gains (p < 0.0005). However, the results indicated that neither fast nor slow isokinetic training is more effective for power production within the 1 80 degrees range of motion of shoulder extension in the young women studied. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;8(1);1-9.