Measuring Lower Extremity Strength in Older Adults: The Stability of Isokinetic versus 1RM Measures

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Salem ◽  
Man-Ying Wang ◽  
Susan Sigward
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Multiple Test ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Strength Difference ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

In order to obtain joint-specific baseline strength characteristics in older adults, clinicians and researchers must have knowledge regarding the relative stability of the various strength tests (the strength difference between repeated measures) and the number of prebaseline practice sessions required to obtain consistent data. To address these needs, the relative multiple-test stability and reliability associated with lower extremity isokinetic and 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) strength measures were assessed in a sample of older adults (N= 30, 65.2 ± 6.3 years), over 4 weeks (T1-T4). Isokinetic ankle plantar-flexion (30°/s) strength and 1RM ankle plantar-flexion, leg-press, and knee-flexion strength exhibited poor stability between Weeks T1 and T2 but stabilized between Weeks T2 and T3 and Weeks T3 and T4. The measures exhibited low incidence of injury and induced low levels of residual muscle soreness. Findings suggest that the 1RM measures require at least 1 prebaseline training session in order to establish consistent baseline performance and are more reliable than isokinetic ankle plantar-flexion tests.

Electromechanical Delay Of Ankle Plantar Flexion In Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 298
Author(s):  
Koichi Takase ◽  
Masahiro Taguchi ◽  
Mayumi Kakimoto ◽  
Ryoji Tahara
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Electromechanical Delay ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

scholarly journals Validity of a Smartphone Application for Measuring Ankle Plantar Flexion

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Cox ◽  
Rodrigo E. Martinez ◽  
Russell T. Baker ◽  
Lindsay Warren
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Correlational Design ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Motion Assessment ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

Context: Range of motion is a component of a physical examination used in the diagnostic and rehabilitative processes. Following ankle injury and/or during research, it is common to measure plantar flexion with a universal goniometer. The ease and availability of digital inclinometers created as applications for smartphones have led to an increase in using this method of range of motion assessment. Smartphone applications have been validated as alternatives to inclinometer measurements in the knee; however, this application has not been validated for plantar flexion in the ankle. Objectives: The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the validity of the Clinometer Smartphone Application™ produced by Plaincode App Development for use in the ankle (ie, plantar flexion) and (2) to assess the validity of the inclinometer procedures used to measure ankle dorsiflexion for measuring ankle plantar flexion. Design: Blinded repeated measures correlational design. Setting: University-based outpatient rehabilitative clinic. Participants: A convenience sample (N = 50) of participants (27 females and 23 males) who reported to the clinic (mean age = 30.48 y). Intervention: Patients were long seated on a plinth, with the knee in terminal extension. Three plantar flexion measurements were taken with a goniometer on each foot by the primary researcher. The primary researcher then conducted 3 blinded measurements with The Clinometer Smartphone Application™ following the same procedure. A second researcher, who was blinded to the goniometer measurements, recorded the inclinometer measurements. After data were collected, a Pearson’s correlation was calculated to determine the validity of the clinometer app compared with goniometry. Main Outcome Measure: Degrees of motion for ankle plantar flexion. Results: Measurements produced using the Clinometer Smartphone Application™ were highly correlated for right foot (r = .92, P < .001), left foot (r = .92, P < .001), and combined (r = .92, P < .001) with goniometer measurements using a plastic universal goniometer. Conclusion: The Clinometer Smartphone Application™ is a valid instrument for measuring plantar flexion of the ankle.

Variability of PlayerLoad, Bowling Velocity, and Performance Execution in Fast Bowlers Across Repeated Bowling Spells

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1009-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean J. McNamara ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Paul Chapman ◽  
Geraldine Naughton ◽  
Patrick Farhart
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
National Level ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Session Key ◽  
Stable Measure ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Stability

Purpose:The use of wearable microtechnology to monitor the external load of fast bowling is challenged by the inherent variability of bowling techniques between bowlers. This study assessed the between-bowlers variability in PlayerLoad, bowling velocity, and performance execution across repeated bowling spells.Methods:Seven national-level fast bowlers completed two 6-over bowling spells at a batter during a competitive training session. Key dependent variables were PlayerLoad calculated with a MinimaxX microtechnology unit, ball velocity, and bowling execution based on a predetermined bowling strategy for each ball bowled. The between-bowlers coefficient of variation (CV), repeated-measures ANOVA, and smallest worthwhile change were calculated over the 2 repeated 6-over bowling spells and explored across 12-over, 6-over, and 3-over bowling segments.Results:From the sum of 6 consecutive balls, the between-bowlers CV for relative peak PlayerLoad was 1.2% over the 12-over bowling spell (P = .15). During this 12-over period, bowling-execution (P = .43) scores and ball-velocity (P = .31) CVs were calculated as 46.0% and 0.4%, respectively.Conclusions:PlayerLoad was found to be stable across the repeated bowling spells in the fast-bowling cohort. Measures of variability and change across the repeated bowling spells were consistent with the performance measure of ball velocity. The stability of PlayerLoad improved when assessed relative to the individual’s peak PlayerLoad. Only bowling-execution measures were found to have high variability across the repeated bowling spells. PlayerLoad provides a stable measure of external workload between fast bowlers.

Joint-Specific Power-Pedaling Rate Relationships During Maximal Cycling

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
John McDaniel ◽  
N. Scott Behjani ◽  
Steven J. Elmer ◽  
Nicholas A.T. Brown ◽  
James C. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Rate Relationship ◽  
S Cycling ◽  
Hip Extension ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion ◽  
Pedaling Rate

Previous authors have reported power-pedaling rate relationships for maximal cycling. However, the joint-specific power-pedaling rate relationships that contribute to pedal power have not been reported. We determined absolute and relative contributions of joint-specific powers to pedal power across a range of pedaling rates during maximal cycling. Ten cyclists performed maximal 3 s cycling trials at 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 rpm. Joint-specific powers were averaged over complete pedal cycles, and extension and flexion actions. Effects of pedaling rate on relative joint-specific power, velocity, and excursion were assessed with regression analyses and repeated-measures ANOVA. Relative ankle plantar flexion power (25 to 8%;P= .01;R2= .90) decreased with increasing pedaling rate, whereas relative hip extension power (41 to 59%;P< .01;R2= .92) and knee flexion power (34 to 49%;P< .01;R2= .94) increased with increasing pedaling rate. Knee extension powers did not differ across pedaling rates. Ankle joint angular excursion decreased with increasing pedaling rate (48 to 20 deg) whereas hip joint excursion increased (42 to 48 deg). These results demonstrate that the often-reported quadratic power-pedaling rate relationship arises from combined effects of dissimilar joint-specific power-pedaling rate relationships. These dissimilar relationships are likely influenced by musculoskeletal constraints (ie, muscle architecture, morphology) and/or motor control strategies.

Effect of Circumferential Pressure on Response Parameters during Ballistic Ankle Plantar Flexion in Healthy Adults

1994 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Robichaud ◽  
Denis Brunt
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Muscle Response ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Motor Neuron Pool ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion ◽  
Neuron Pool ◽  
Circumferential Pressure

This study investigated the effect of circumferential pressure on timing and muscle-response parameters during ballistic ankle plantar flexion in 15 young healthy subjects. Circumferential pressure was provided by an air-splint applied around the lower calf. Data were collected at 1, 3, and 5 min. prior to, during, and following application of pressure. A 3 × 3 repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant increases in premotor and reaction times during application of pressure. There was no main effect for magnitude of muscle activity or motor time. Results support previous studies showing decreases in the excitability of the motor-neuron pool with circumferential pressure and an inverse relationship between excitability and premotor time.

Ankle Bracing Decreases Vertical Jump Height and Alters Lower Extremity Kinematics

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Smith ◽  
Tina Claiborne ◽  
Victor Liberi
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Vertical Jump Height ◽  
Hip Flexion ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion ◽  
Ankle Bracing

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ankle bracing on vertical jump performance and lower extremity kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty healthy college athletes participated in two sessions, separated by a minimum of 24 hr. They performed five jumps with no brace on the first day, and five jumps with both ankles braced on the second day. An average of the three highest jumps each day was used for analysis. Braced vertical jump performance significantly decreased (p = .002) as compared with the unbraced condition. In addition, hip flexion (p = .043) and ankle plantar flexion (p = .001) angles were significantly smaller during the braced vertical jump. There was also a significant reduction in soleus muscle EMG (p = .002) during the braced condition.

Lower-Extremity Kinetic Response to Weighted-Vest Resistance during Stepping Exercise in Older Adults

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Salem ◽  
Sean P. Flanagan ◽  
Man-Ying Wang ◽  
Joo-Eun Song ◽  
Stanley P. Azen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Loading Conditions ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Joint Moments ◽  
Weighted Vest

Stepping activities when wearing a weighted vest may enhance physical function in older persons. Using 3 weighted-vest resistance dosages, this study characterized the lower-extremity joint biomechanics associated with stepping activities in elders. Twenty healthy community-dwelling older adults, ages 74.5 ± 4.5 yrs, performed 3 trials of forward step-up and lateral step-up exercises while wearing a weighted vest which added 0% body weight (BW), 5% BW, or 10% BW. They performed these activities on a force platform while instrumented for biomechanical analysis. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the differences in ankle, knee, and hip maximum joint angles, peak net joint moments, joint powers, and impulses among both steping activities and the 3 loading conditions. Findings indicated that the 5% BW vest increased the kinetic output associated with the exercise activities at all three lower-extremity joints. These increases ranged from 5.9% for peak hip power to 12.5% for knee extensor impulse. The application of an additional 5% BW resistance did not affect peak joint moments or powers, but it did increase the joint impulses by 4–11%. Comparisons between exercise activities, across the 3 loading conditions, indicated that forward stepping preferentially targeted the hip extensors while lateral stepping targeted the plantar flexors; both activities equally targeted the knee extensors. Weighted-vest loads of 5% and 10% BW substantially increased the mechanical demand on the knee extensors, hip extensors (forward stepping), and ankle plantar flexors (lateral stepping).

scholarly journals The Effect of Ankle Taping to Restrict Plantar Flexion on Ball and Foot Velocity During an Instep Kick in Soccer

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junpei Sasadai ◽  
Yukio Urabe ◽  
Noriaki Maeda ◽  
Hiroshi Shinohara ◽  
Eri Fujii
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Ankle Impingement ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Posterior Ankle Impingement ◽  
Instep Kick ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

Context:Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is a common disorder in soccer players and ballet dancers. In soccer players, it is caused by the repetitive stress of ankle plantar flexion due to instep kicking. Protective ankle dorsiflexion taping is recommended with the belief that it prevents posterior ankle impingement. However, the relationship between ankle taping and ball-kicking performance remains unclear.Objective:To demonstrate the relationship between the restrictions of ankle taping and performance of an instep kick in soccer.Design:Laboratory-based repeated-measures.Setting:University laboratory.Participants:11 male university soccer players.Intervention:The subjects’ ankle plantar flexion was limited by taping. Four angles of planter flexion (0°, 15°, 30°, and without taping) were formed by gradation limitation. The subjects performed maximal instep kicks at each angle.Main Outcome Measures:The movements of the kicking legs and the ball were captured using 3 high-speed cameras at 200 Hz. The direct linear-transformation method was used to obtain 3-dimensional coordinates using a digitizing system. Passive ankle plantar-flexion angle, maximal plantar-flexion angle at ball impact, ball velocity, and foot velocity were measured. The data were compared among 4 conditions using repeated-measures ANOVA, and the correlations between ball velocity and foot velocity and between ball velocity and toe velocity were calculated.Results:Ankle dorsiflexion taping could gradually limit both passive plantar flexion and plantar flexion at the impact. Furthermore, limitation of 0° and 15° reduced the ball velocity generated by instep kicks.Conclusion:Plantar-flexion-limiting taping at 30° has a potential to prevent posterior ankle impingement without decreasing the ball velocity generated by soccer instep kicks.

scholarly journals Knee and Ankle Position, Anterior Drawer Laxity, and Stiffness of the Ankle Complex

2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Kovaleski ◽  
Phillip M. Norrell ◽  
Robert J. Heitman ◽  
J. Marcus Hollis ◽  
Albert W. Pearsall
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Female Age ◽  
Anterior Drawer ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Ankle Arthrometer ◽  
Anterior Laxity ◽  
Ankle Complex ◽  
The Stability

Abstract Context: Anterior drawer testing of the ankle is commonly used to diagnose lateral ligamentous instability. Our hypothesis was that changing knee and ankle positions would change the stability of the ankle complex during anterior drawer testing. Objectives: To assess the effects of knee and ankle position on anterior drawer laxity and stiffness of the ankle complex. Design: A repeated-measures design with knee and ankle position as independent variables. Setting: University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Bilateral ankles of 10 female (age  =  19.8 ± 1.1 years) and 10 male (age  =  20.8 ± 1.2 years) collegiate athletes were tested. Intervention(s): Each ankle complex underwent loading using an ankle arthrometer under 4 test conditions consisting of 2 knee positions (90° and 0° of flexion) and 2 ankle positions (0° and 10° of plantar flexion [PF]). Main Outcome Measure(s): Recorded anterior laxity (mm) and stiffness (N/mm). Results: Anterior laxity of the ankle complex was maximal with the knee positioned at 90° of flexion and the ankle at 10° of PF when compared with the knee positioned at 0° of flexion and the ankle at 10° or 0° of PF (P &lt; .001), whereas ankle complex stiffness was greatest with the knee positioned at 0° of flexion and the ankle at 0° of PF (P &lt; .009). Conclusions: Anterior drawer testing of the ankle complex with the knee positioned at 90° of flexion and the ankle at 10° of PF produced the most laxity and the least stiffness. These findings indicate that anterior drawer testing with the knee at 90° of flexion and the ankle at 10° of PF may permit better isolation of the ankle capsuloligamentous structures.

scholarly journals Comparison of Gluteus Medius Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Forward and Lateral Step-up Exercises in Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (11) ◽  
pp. 1205-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki Stemmons Mercer ◽  
Michael T. Gross ◽  
Subhashini Sharma ◽  
Erin Weeks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Gluteus Medius Muscle ◽  
Left Lower Extremity ◽  
Hip Abductor ◽  
The Right

Background Step-up exercises often are suggested for strengthening the hip abductor muscles and improving balance in older adults. Little is known, however, about whether the forward or lateral version of these exercises is best for activating the hip abductor muscles. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the gluteus medius (GM) muscles bilaterally during forward and lateral step-up exercises. Design The study design involved single-occasion repeated measures. Methods Twenty-seven community-dwelling adults (7 men and 20 women) with a mean (SD) age of 79.4 (8.0) years performed forward and lateral step-up exercises while the surface EMG activity of the GM muscles was recorded bilaterally. Pressure switches and dual forceplates were used to identify the ascent and descent phases. Subjects were instructed to lead with the right lower extremity during ascent and the left lower extremity during descent. Differences in normalized root-mean-square EMG amplitudes with exercise direction (forward versus lateral) and phase (ascent versus descent) were examined by use of separate repeated-measures analyses of variance for the right and left lower extremities. The alpha level was set at .05. Results Gluteus medius muscle EMG activity was significantly greater for lateral than for forward step-up exercises for the left lower extremity during the ascent phase and for both lower extremities during the descent phase. In addition, right GM muscle EMG activity was significantly greater during ascent than during descent for both exercise directions. Limitations Study limitations include use of a convenience sample and collection of limited information about participants. Conclusions Step-up exercises are effective in activating the GM muscle, with lateral step-up exercises requiring greater GM muscle activation than forward step-up exercises. Further study is needed to determine whether exercise programs for hip abductor muscle strengthening in older adults should preferentially include lateral over forward step-up exercises.

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