The Effects of Submaximal Contractions on an lsokinetic Test Session

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in peak torque and to determine if an isokinetic measure of maximal knee extensor strength changed significantly in the presence or absence of submaximal isokinetic contractions. Twenty subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 performed three gradient submaximal isokinetic contractions prior to the test session, and group 2 did not perform submaximal contractions. The test session consisted of six trials with each trial consisting of a maximal isokinetic contraction at 30 degrees /second. No significant differences were found among trials, between groups, and within each group. A trend analysis of each group revealed a significant positive linear trend (P < 0.05) in group 1 with no significant trend in group 2. Subjective data demonstrated that the three gradient submaximal contractions were adequate to prevent discomfort during the following test session.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):74-77.