Test–Retest Reliability of the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer for Squat Exercise

Abstract

Background: the main objective of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of two different functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD)-controlled squat training protocols. Methods: twenty-eight healthy young adults volunteered to participate in this study. They attended the laboratory on four different days and performed four sessions: two of three sets of 12 repetitions at 75% 1RM and two of three sets of 30 repetitions at 50% 1RM. The range of movement (ROM), mean dynamic strength (MDS), peak dynamic strength (PDS), mean velocity (MV), peak velocity (PV), mean potency (MP), peak potency (PP), work (W), and impulse (I) were recorded. To evaluate the reliability of FEMD, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV) were obtained. Results: reliability was very high for ROM (CV: 3.72%, ICC: 0.95), MDS (CV: 1.09%, ICC: 1.00), PDS (CV: 1.97%, ICC: 1.00), and W (CV: 4.69%, ICC: 1.00) conditions at 50% 1RM and for ROM (CV: 3.90%, ICC: 0.95), MDS (CV: 0.52, ICC: 1.00), PDS (CV: 1.49%, ICC: 0.98), and W (CV: 4.14%, ICC: 1.00) conditions at 75% 1RM and high for the rest of variables at 50 and 75% 1RM. Conclusions: this study demonstrates that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure ROM, MDS, PDS, MV, PV, PV, MP, MP, W, and I during both squat protocols (50 and 75% 1RM) in healthy young adults.

Test–Retest Reliability of an Isometric and Isometric/Vibratory Muscular Strength Protocol with Functional Electro-Mechanical Dynamometry

“…In the study by Baena-Raya et al [16], they analyzed the reliability of mid-thigh traction kinetic variables with FEMD, reporting that the device has a high absolute reliability (CV = 2.26-2.51%) and an extremely high relative reliability in the evaluation of peak force (ICC = 0.94-0.95). In another study, del-Cuerpo et al [13] obtained similar results to those of this study. In their study, they evaluated two different FEMD controlled squat training protocols in a group of healthy young adults, reporting a null effect size (ES = 0.07-0.17), an acceptable absolute reliability for the protocols used (CV < 10%) for all variables, and an almost perfect relative reliability (ICC = 0.91-1.00).…”

“…It is crucial to employ evaluations that can distinguish between different types of analytical advancements in force creation when measuring force [11]. When it comes to training and assessing the kinetic variables of power, speed, and strength of various human movements [12], as well as the various forms of muscular contraction and strength manifestations in free, mono-, or multi-joint movement of the entire body [13], functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD) is a perfect tool. When compared to the gold standard, or the isokinetic device, the FEMD is especially easy to use and inexpensive.…”

Males Have a Higher Energy Expenditure than Females during Squat Training

“…The order of the exercises was randomized, and they were given five minutes of rest between each set. The test-retest reliability of the FEMD for squat exercise was demonstrated in a previous study [32]. The protocol of the study is shown in Figure 1.…”

“…The individuals showed up for the study in accordance with the directions given by the researcher. When they arrived at the laboratory, as it was done in del-Cuerpo [32], they were fitted with the gas analyzer mask, and the gas analysis started. They remained seated in a relaxed position for 5 min.…”

“…Most of the existing literature evaluates post-exercise EE in obese and elderly populations, and, above all, it is well studied during endurance training. Although squat exercise is widely used, the simultaneous evaluation of parameters such as strength, speed, power, work, and impulse using a single device [32,33] is a novel approach. This can be achieved by utilizing functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD), which is a valid and reliable isokinetic multi-joint device.…”