Effect of resisted knee flexion on knee extension torque

We tested the principle of "reversal of antagonists" by measuring the effect of resisted knee flexion on subsequent peak knee extension torque at velocities of 60 degrees/sec and 120 degrees/sec using an isokinetic dynamometer. We determined peak knee extension torques from torque curves produced during knee extension that was performed reciprocally with either passive or maximum voluntary resisted knee flexion. We used a crossover design so that all 18 healthy adult subjects performed knee extension reciprocally with both passive and resisted knee flexion. Paired means t tests revealed no statistically significant difference between the peak knee extension torques produced under the two knee flexion conditions either at 60 degrees/sec or 120 degrees/sec. We, therefore, concluded that resisted knee flexion does not augment peak knee extension torque under our conditions of testing. The concept of reversal of antagonists was not supported. Antagonistic muscle functioning, therefore, may be irrelevant to agonist isokinetic testing and training in neurologically healthy persons.