Effects of Stabilizing the Nontested Lower Extremity during lsokinetic Evaluation of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings*

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if stabilization of the nontested lower extremity influences the peak torque generated by the knee musculature of the opposite extremity during isokinetic testing. The subjects included 15 males and 15 females, between 18 to 30 years of age, who had no history of right knee pain or pathology. A Cybex I isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the torques generated by the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the right lower extremity during flexion and extension. Each subject performed two trials of extension and flexion of the right knee; each trial consisted of one set of three contractions at 60 degrees /sec and one set at 180 degrees /sec. One trial was performed with the left lower extremity stabilized and the second trial was performed without stabilization. The results demonstrate that the peak torques generated by the quadriceps and hamstrings of the tested extremity are not significantly influenced by stabilization of the opposite lower extremity at the speeds tested.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;6(1):18-20.