Intersession Reliability of Isokinetic Strength Testing in Knee and Elbow Extension and Flexion Using the BTE
Alexander Törpel1, Tim Becker1, Angelina Thiers1
11 Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Institute III: Sport Science, Germany, Magdeburg, Germany.
Context:
The use of isokinetic dynamometers playing an important role in different settings of sports and medicine. Therefore, a high reliability of these devices is required.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the intersession reliability of the dynamometer BTE PrimusRS regarding to the isolated single-joint exercises extension/flexion of the knee and elbow for isokinetic testing
Design:
Intersession reliability.
Setting:
Clinical settings and sports science.
Participants:
16 young male students.
Intervention:
The testing protocol includes 5 consecutive repetitions (concentric/concentric) at a velocity of 60°/s for the exercises.
Main Outcome Measures:
Raw data of torque curves were used to determine the peak torque. Reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the limits of agreement (LoA), and the bias and the variability of measurements (V).
Results:
High ICC values (.954-.991) were found for the used exercises. However, the LoAs yielded up to over 16 Nm and the V yielded up to nearly 9 % in several testing exercises, indicating poor absolute reliability.
Conclusion:
The BTE PrimusRS shows good to excellent reliability. However, regarding the absolute measures of reliability, the users must decide as experts in their fields whether this reliability is sufficient for their purposes.
