Reliability of Ankle–Foot Complex Isokinetic Strength Assessment Using the Isomed 2000 Dynamometer

Abstract

For quantifying muscle strength in clinical and research practice, establishing the reliability of measurements, specifically to the procedures used, is essential for credible findings. The objective was to establish the reliability of isokinetic measurement of ankle plantar and dorsal flexors (PF/DF) and invertors and evertors (INV/EV) on an IsoMed 2000 dynamometer. Twenty healthy subjects (10 males, 10 females, mean age: 23.1 ± 3.1 years) completed an isokinetic measurement session. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement were assessed for peak torque and work of ankle PF/DF (concentric and eccentric) and INV/EV (concentric) for the preferred and nonpreferred limb. Standardized isokinetic measurements of reciprocal PF/DF and INV/EV muscle actions were associated with ICC ranging from 0.77 to 0.98 for the majority of observed parameters. The exception was work in the eccentric mode in the ankle DF and peak torque in the concentric mode in the ankle INV on the preferred limb, where ICC ranged from 0.64 to 0.71. The IsoMed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer can be reliably employed in future studies for reciprocal ankle PF/DF and INV/EV assessment in healthy adult subjects after implementation of a familiarization session.

Effect of aging on the association between ankle muscle strength and the control of bipedal stance

“…Especially in ankle evertors and invertors, lack of studies could be associated with difficulties during testing of these muscles. However, in past years, good reliability of ankle muscle strength measurements including ankle invertors and evertors using isokinetic measurement devices has been reported [39].…”

Advanced Age Redistributes Positive but Not Negative Leg Joint Work during Walking

“…Subjects were verbally encouraged during testing, rested at least 1 min between contractions, and, for isokinetic testing, were instructed to generate as much force as quickly as possible. The selected ankle and knee joint angular velocities are similar to those used previously and have been shown to yield good (i.e., ICC 0.75–0.90) to excellent (ICC > 0.90) reliability ( 23 , 31 ).…”

Relationship of Postoperative Achilles Tendon Elongation With Plantarflexion Strength Following Surgical Repair

“…5,10,13,15 Furthermore, the higher velocity of 120 degrees/s was chosen because functional tests that provide information on daily living activities should use higher angular velocity such as 120 degrees/s as a velocity of ankle plantarflexion in the normal gait cycle. 4,5…”

“…12 The lower velocity of 30 degrees/s was adapted to the current study because it is defined as a maximal voluntary contraction as an indicator of maximal strength and is the most commonly used velocity in previous anklerelated studies. 5,10,13,15 Furthermore, the higher velocity of 120 degrees/s was chosen because functional tests that provide information on daily living activities should use higher angular velocity such as 120 degrees/s as a velocity of ankle plantarflexion in the normal gait cycle. 4,5 After measuring peak torques, angle-specific plantarflexion torques were recorded to gradually decrease from 10 degrees of dorsiflexion to 0, 10, and 20 degrees of plantarflexion ( Figure 2).…”

“…5,10,13,15 Furthermore, the higher velocity of 120 degrees/s was chosen because functional tests that provide information on daily living activities should use higher angular velocity such as 120 degrees/s as a velocity of ankle plantarflexion in the normal gait cycle. 4,5 After measuring peak torques, angle-specific plantarflexion torques were recorded to gradually decrease from 10 degrees of dorsiflexion to 0, 10, and 20 degrees of plantarflexion ( Figure 2). Finally, same procedures were applied to the unoperated, contralateral ankles of the patients.…”