Understanding the effect of speed of exertion on isokinetic strength using a multiaxial dynamometer

In this study a multiaxial isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure strength during various upper-body isokinetic exertions. Ten male participants performed 7 different upper-body isokinetic exertions. In addition, to evaluate the effect of speed on strength, each participant performed sitting pull exertions at the speed of 0.026, 0.130, and 0.260 m/s. Average isokinetic strength increased from 236.6 +/- 39.1 to 291.8 +/- 65.8 N with the initial increase in speed from 0.026 to 0.130 m/s. The average isokinetic strength decreased to 276.7 +/- 87.2 N with a further increase in speed to 0.260 m/s. The curve between isokinetic strength and speed followed a bell-shaped curve (fitted with the Gaussian function, R(2) = .9). The results of this study could be useful in deciding on the work pace of various manual material handling tasks requiring maximal and/or near maximal exertions.