Comparison of isokinetic measurements with test repetitions

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in peak torque of the knee extensor muscles for a group of subjects. In each of three sessions, six maximal isokinetic contractions (trials) were elicited from 12 men and 4 women without isokinetic testing experience. No significant differences occurred over sessions and trials, but there was a significant interaction effect. Significant quadratic trends occurred in Sessions 1 and 3. In Session 1, the first trial was the highest; in Session 3, the first trial was the lowest. In Session 1, Trial 1 was significantly higher than Trial 3. No significant trend was found in Session 2. The results demonstrated that peak torque did not change when test sessions occurred two weeks apart. The pattern of peak torque values differed, however. If inexperienced subjects are tested in one session only, at least one maximal trial should be given before criterion scores are obtained.