Angular Specificity and Test Mode Specificity of Isometric and lsokinetic Strength Training *

This study examined the angular specificity and test mode specificity of strength training. Six males and six females (X = 22.6 years) were assigned to groups which trained either isometrically (90 degrees ) or isokinetically (30 degrees /second). They trained their left elbow extensors at 80% of their maximum voluntary contraction on a modified Cybex(R) apparatus for 10 weeks, three sessions per week, with 50 contractions per session. Before and after training, both groups were tested isometrically (70, 90, 110 degrees ) and isokinetically (30 degrees /second). When tested isometrically, both groups improved equally, and strength was increased at all three test angles to about the same extent. When tested isokinetically, both groups improved, but the isokinetic group improved to a greater extent. In conclusion, no angular specificity of training was demonstrated within 20 degrees of the training angle, and no test mode specificity was seen for isometric testing. However, isometric training showed less transfer to an isokinetic test. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;5(2):58-65.