Sex Differences in Lower Limb Proprioception and Mechanical Function Among Healthy Adults

Motor Control ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-587
Author(s):  
Xiaoyue Hu ◽  
Jingxian Li ◽  
Lin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Isokinetic Muscle Strength ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Hop Test ◽  
Limb Proprioception

Twenty-four healthy adults, including 12 females and 12 males, participated in the study. Each female participant completed three trials in three different phases of one menstrual cycle, which included follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. The study aimed to investigate whether there is any difference in joint kinetic sense, neuromuscular coordination, and isokinetic muscle strength (a) between healthy males and females at different phases of the menstrual cycle and (b) between females at different phases of the menstrual cycle. The outcome measures included the number of jumps in the square-hop test and ankle and knee proprioception, which were assessed by an electric-driven movable frame rotated at 0.4 deg/s and isokinetic muscle strength measured by a computerized dynamometer (Biodex). For the square-hop test (p = .006), ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion (p < .05), knee flexion/extension (p < .05), the relative peak torque of the isokinetic muscle strength at the 60° and 180° knee flexion/extension (p < .001), and the 30° and 120° ankle plantar flexion/dorsiflexion (p < .05) between females and males showed significant differences. For the females at different phases of the menstrual cycle, significant differences were found on ankle dorsiflexion (p = .003), plantar flexion (p = .023), knee extension (p = .029), the square-hop test (p = .036), and relative peak torque of isokinetic muscle strength at 180° knee flexion (p = .029). This study demonstrated that there are sex differences in lower limb proprioception and mechanical function. Females at ovulatory and luteal phases have better lower limb proprioception than at the follicular phase.

scholarly journals A comparison of wrist isokinetic muscle strength in wheelchair table tennis and wheelchair basketball players

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2_suppl2) ◽  
pp. 2325967117S0006
Author(s):  
Bihter Akınoğlu ◽  
Tuğba Kocahan ◽  
Necmiye Ün Yıldırım ◽  
Çağlar Soylu ◽  
Ufuk Apur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Table Tennis ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Extensor Muscles ◽  
Isokinetic Muscle Strength ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Wrist Flexors

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare isokinetic muscle strength of wrist flexor and extensor muscles in paralympic athletes. Methods: This study was carried out with the participation of 9 (4 females and 5 males) wheelchair (WC) table tennis players aged 24+3 and 8 male WC basketball players aged 26+3, met the criteria and voluntarly participate in the study. Body weight, height, body mass index and dominant extremity of the study subjects were recorded. İsokinetic measurement were performed with Isomed 2000® device. İsokinetic testing protocol; before the test all players performed the wrist flexion and extension isokinetic test with the 5 repeating at 90º/sec as a warm-up and comprehending the test. Then, wrist flexion and extension concentric-concentric strength measurements were performed with the 5 repeating at 60º/sec and with the 15 repeating at 240º/sec with the angle between 50 degrees of wrist flexion and 60 degrees of wrist extension and peak torque, peak torque/kg values and flexion/extension ratios were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare isokinetic muscle strength quantitative variables in athletes. Findings: Isokinetic muscle strength of wrist flexors and extensors was higher in both sides in WC table tennis players with 60º/sec speed (p<0,05). İsokinetic muscle strength of wrist flexors and extensors was higher in both sides in WC basketball players with 240º/sec speed (p<0,05). There was no significant difference statistically between the groups in isokinetic wrist flexion and extansion peak torque/kg ratio in all speeds (p>0,05). Wrist flexion/extension peak torque ratios were similar in both groups. When examining the athletes flexion/extension ratios, wrist extensor muscles were weaker than flexor muscles and flexor muscles were average twice stronger than extensor muscles in both sports ( Table1 ). [Table: see text] Results: We thought that imbalance of muscle strength in the wrist may have occurred because of the use of a WC and requiring the intensive wrist flexors in playing sports. In both groups wrist ekstansor muscles were found to be weaker than wrist flexors and flexor/extensor ratio was found to be imbalance. We believe that all athletes using WC such as WC table tennis and WC basketball players have a strenght imbalance in the muscle of the wrist and as a result, this situation will increase the possibility of injury. Therefore, our study showed that weakness of wrist extensors and imbalance of muscle stenght should be taken into account in WC athletes in athletic training and exercise programs.

scholarly journals Muscle strength evaluation of limb dominance in prepubescent swimmers boys and girls

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
AYKUT OZCADIRCI ◽  
FERHAT OZTURK ◽  
SUKRU ALPAN CINEMRE ◽  
GIZEM IREM KINIKLI
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
T Test ◽  
Strength Ratio ◽  
Lower Limb Muscle ◽  
Limb Muscle ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Dominant Side ◽  
Isometric Muscle

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the lower limb muscle strength in terms of gender and limb dominancy in prepubescent swimmers. Material and Methods: Seventy-four prepubescent swimmers (mean age: 11.01±1.58 years; 42 boys; 32 girls) who were training for at least 8 hours a week and without current lower limb pain participated in the study. Isometric muscle strength of lower limb was measured by hand-held dynamometry. Independent samples-t test was used to determine the difference between genders, while paired samples-t test was used for dominant-nondominant side comparison. The significance level was accepted as p<0.05. Results: Knee flexion (p<0.001), extension (p<0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion (p=0.003) muscle strength were stronger on the dominant side than on the non-dominant side. Knee flexion/extension strength ratio was similar (p=0.957); while ankle plantar flexion/dorsiflexion strength ratio was significantly different (p=0.011). Boys swimmers had stronger isometric muscle strength in the dominant side together with knee flexion (p=0.018) and knee flexion extension strength ratio (p=0.007) than girls swimmers. Conclusion: Boys swimmers had higher dominant side knee flexion muscle strength compared to female peers. Gender and lower limb dominancy might be important for lower limb muscle strength to show varieties in prepubescent swimmers before planning a training program.

Knee Strength Capabilities and Slip Severity

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Wyszomierski ◽  
April J. Chambers ◽  
Rakié Cham
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Motion Data ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Muscle Moments

Slips and falls are a serious public health concern in older populations. Reduced muscle strength is associated with increased age and fall incidence. Understanding the relationships between specific joint muscle strength characteristics and propensity to slip is important to identify biomechanical factors responsible for slip-initiated falls and to improve slip/fall prevention programs. Knee corrective moments generated during slipping assist in balance recovery. Therefore, the study goal was to investigate the relationship between knee flexion/extension strength and slip severity. Isometric knee flexion/extension peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) of the slipping leg were measured in 29 young and 28 older healthy subjects. Motion data were collected for an unexpected slip during self-paced walking. Peak slip velocity (PSV) of the slipping heel served as a slip severity measure. Within-sex and age group regressions relating gait speed-controlled PSV to strength of the slipping leg revealed significant inverse PSV-knee extension peak torque and PSV-knee flexion/extension RTD relationships in young males only. Differences in PSV-strength relationships between sex and age groups may be caused by greater ranges of strength capabilities in young males. In conclusion, the ability to generate higher, more rapid knee flexion/extension muscle moments (greater peak torque/RTD) may assist in recovery from severe slips.

scholarly journals Reliability of a New Portable Dynamometer for Assessing Hip and Lower Limb Strength

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3391
Author(s):  
Jan Marušič ◽  
Goran Marković ◽  
Nejc Šarabon
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Lower Limb Strength ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
Hip Abduction ◽  
Maximal Peak

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-session reliability of the new, portable, and externally fixated dynamometer called MuscleBoard® for assessing the strength of hip and lower limb muscles. Hip abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, internal and external rotation, knee extension, ankle plantarflexion, and Nordic hamstring exercise strength were measured in three sessions (three sets of three repetitions for each test) on 24 healthy and recreationally active participants. Average and maximal value of normalized peak torque (Nm/kg) from three repetitions in each set and agonist:antagonist ratios (%) were statistically analyzed; the coefficient of variation and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2,k) were calculated to assess absolute and relative reliability, respectively. Overall, the results display high to excellent intra- and inter-session reliability with low to acceptable within-individual variation for average and maximal peak torques in all bilateral strength tests, while the reliability of unilateral strength tests was moderate to good. Our findings indicate that using the MuscleBoard® dynamometer can be a reliable device for assessing and monitoring bilateral and certain unilateral hip and lower limb muscle strength, while some unilateral strength tests require some refinement and more extensive familiarization.

The Effects of Tourniquet Application in Total Knee Arthroplasty on the Recovery of Thigh Muscle Strength and Clinical Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Ayik ◽  
Mehmet Demirel ◽  
Fevzi Birisik ◽  
Ali Ersen ◽  
Halil I. Balci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Total Work ◽  
Isokinetic Muscle Strength ◽  
Total Knee

AbstractThe present randomized controlled study aims to evaluate whether tourniquet application during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has an effect on (1) thigh muscle strength (quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength) and (2) clinical outcomes (postoperative knee range of motion [ROM], postoperative pain level, and Knee Society Score [KSS]). The effects of tourniquet application during TKA were investigated in 65 patients randomly allocated to one of two groups: TKA with a tourniquet and TKA without a tourniquet. Patients in both groups were comparable in terms of the demographic and clinical data (p > 0.05 for age, number of patients, sex, radiographic gonarthrosis grade, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification, and body mass index [BMI]). All patients in both groups were operated by the same surgeon using one type of prosthesis. Isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque and total work) of knee extensors (quadriceps) and flexors (hamstrings) was measured in Newton meters (Nm) using a CYBEX 350 isokinetic dynamometer (HUMAC/CYBEX 2009, Stoughton, MA). The combined KSS (knee score + function score), visual analog scale (VAS), and knee ROM were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively to evaluate clinical outcomes. There were no significant differences between the two groups in preoperative and postoperative values of isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque and total work) and aforementioned clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). The present study has shown that quadriceps strength and clinical outcomes were not improved in the early postoperative period (3 months) when a tourniquet was not used during TKA.

scholarly journals Isokinetic Strength Profile of Elite Female Handball Players

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuzana Xaverova ◽  
Johannes Dirnberger ◽  
Michal Lehnert ◽  
Jan Belka ◽  
Herbert Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Training Cycle ◽  
Isokinetic Muscle Strength ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
Individual Evaluation ◽  
Knee Flexors ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Abstract Systematic assessment of muscle strength of the lower extremities throughout the annual training cycle in athletes is crucial from a performance perspective for the optimization of the training process, as well as a health perspective with regard to injury prevention. The main aim of the present study was to determine isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexors and extensors in female handball players at the beginning of a preparatory period and to assess whether there were any differences between players of different performance levels. The performance level was expressed by means of membership of the Women’s Junior National Handball Team (JNT, n=8) or the Women’s National Handball Team (NT, n=9). The isokinetic peak torque during concentric and eccentric single-joint knee flexion and extension was measured at angular velocities of 60, 180, 240°/s (concentric) and 60°/s (eccentric). The Mann- Whitney test showed no significant differences in the peak torques or ipsilateral ratios between the two groups. The bilateral force deficit (BFD) for concentric extension at 240°/s was significantly higher in the JNT compared with the NT (p=0.04; d=1.02). However, the results of individual evaluation show that the BFD was more frequent in the NT in most measurements. A high BFD was evident in the eccentric mode in both groups highlighting a need for particular strengthening. With regard to low strength ratios a prevention programme should be suggested for both observed groups of professional female handball players to reduce the risk of injury.

scholarly journals The Comparison between Isokinetic Knee Muscles Strength in the Ipsilateral and Contralateral Limbs and Correlating with Function of Patients with Stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 683-689
Author(s):  
Fayaz Khan ◽  
Haris Anjamparuthikal ◽  
Mohamed Faisal Chevidikunnan
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Isokinetic Strength ◽  
Isokinetic Dynamometer ◽  
Knee Strength ◽  
Torque Measurements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Knee Muscle

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to compare the isokinetic knee muscles peak torque measurements and proprioception between the affected and intact limbs of patients with stroke, in addition to finding the correlation between knee muscles strength and lower limb function. Methods Twelve patients with stroke (mean age 64.33 ± 6.140 years), with 3 to 7 months poststroke who can walk 25 feet independently without using or using assistive devices and full passive range of motion were included in the study. Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used for measuring isokinetic strength at 90°/s, 120°/s, and 150°/s and isometric strength at 60°/s in both flexors and extensors of the knee, whereas proprioception was measured at 45°/s knee flexion, all for affected and intact limbs. Functional measurements were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Limb scale and Barthel Index (BI). Results The differences shown were found to be statistically significant between affected and intact limbs in isokinetic 90°/s flexion (p = 0.005), extension (p = 0.0013), and isometric at 60°/s flexion (p < 0.0001) knee muscle strengths and also the proprioception (p = 0.05). Significant positive correlation was found between isokinetic affected side knee flexion at 90°/s (r = 0.903) with BI (r = 0.704). Conclusion There is a significant difference in peak torque measurements between affected and normal lower limbs of poststroke patients, as well as a significant correlation between the knee strength and lower limb functions. Furthermore, it can also be concluded that the differences in knee proprioception between the affected and intact limbs were shown to be significant.

scholarly journals KNEE ISOKINETIC TORQUE IMBALANCE IN FEMALE FUTSAL PLAYERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 352-356
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina de Mello Alves Rodrigues ◽  
Nathália Arnosti Vieira ◽  
Ana Lorena Marche ◽  
Juliana Exel Santana ◽  
Marco Aurélio Vaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Muscle Imbalance ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Isokinetic Torque ◽  
Extensor Torque ◽  
Joint Range

ABSTRACT Introduction: The specificity of sports training can lead to muscle specialization with a possible change in the natural hamstring/quadriceps torque ratio (HQ ratio), constituting a risk factor for muscle injury at the joint angles in which muscle imbalance may impair dynamic stability. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the torque distribution of the hamstrings and quadriceps and the HQ ratio throughout the range of motion in order to identify possible muscle imbalances at the knee of female futsal athletes. Methods: Nineteen amateur female futsal athletes had their dominant limb HQ ratio evaluated in a series of five maximum repetitions of flexion/extension of the knee at 180°/second in the total joint range of motion (30° to 80°). The peak flexor and extensor torque and the HQ ratio (%) were compared each 5° of knee motion using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05) to determine the joint angles that present muscular imbalance. Results: Quadriceps torque was higher than 50° to 60° of knee flexion, while hamstrings torque was higher than 55° to 65°. The HQ ratio presented lower values than 30° to 45° of knee flexion and four athletes presented values lower than 60%, which may represent a risk of injury. However, the HQ ratio calculated by the peak torque showed only one athlete with less than 60%. Conclusion: The HQ ratio analyzed throughout the knee range of motion allowed identifying muscle imbalance at specific joint angles in female futsal players.

Relationship between Hip and Knee Strength and Knee Valgus during a Single Leg Squat

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina L. Claiborne ◽  
Charles W. Armstrong ◽  
Varsha Gandhi ◽  
Danny M. Pincivero
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Valgus Knee ◽  
Knee Motion ◽  
Knee Strength ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Hip Abduction ◽  
Single Leg Squat

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hip and knee strength, and valgus knee motion during a single leg squat. Thirty healthy adults (15 men, 15 women) stood on their preferred foot, squatted to approximately 60 deg of knee flexion, and returned to the standing position. Frontal plane knee motion was evaluated using 3-D motion analysis. During Session 2, isokinetic (60 deg/sec) concentric and eccentric hip (abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, and internal/external rotation) and knee (flexion/extension) strength was evaluated. The results demonstrated that hip abduction (r2= 0.13), knee flexion (r2= 0.18), and knee extension (r2= 0.14) peak torque were significant predictors of frontal plane knee motion. Significant negative correlations showed that individuals with greater hip abduction (r= –0.37), knee flexion (r= –0.43), and knee extension (r= –0.37) peak torque exhibited less motion toward the valgus direction. Men exhibited significantly greater absolute peak torque for all motions, excluding eccentric internal rotation. When normalized to body mass, men demonstrated significantly greater strength than women for concentric hip adduction and flexion, knee flexion and extension, and eccentric hip extension. The major findings demonstrate a significant role of hip muscle strength in the control of frontal plane knee motion.

scholarly journals Assessment of Post-Rehabilitation ACL Reconstructed Knees

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Kevin Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Isokinetic Strength ◽  
Isokinetic Testing ◽  
Rehabilitation Protocols ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Hop Test ◽  
Main Effects

Background: Understanding objective measures of ACL-reconstructed knee function is important in determining the efficacy of rehabilitation protocols and a patient’s return to activities of daily living and sport activities. Objective: To assess the range of motion (ROM), isokinetic strength (torque) and functional performance measures (hop test) of ACL-reconstructed and ACL-intact knees. Methods: Twelve volunteers (5 females, 7 males) with unilateral ACL injury and reconstruction were given a battery of tests (hop test for distance, knee range of motion, knee extensor isokinetic testing to assess both affected and unaffected lower limb function, flexibility and strength. Main effects and interactions were analyzed by mixed-model repeated measures ANCOVA. Dependent variables included hop test for distance, knee flexion and extension range of motion, and knee extensor isokinetic torque. The independent variables were the intact/reconstructed ACL knee and time from surgery. Sex was the covariate. Results: No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found across all dependent variables hop test for distance (P = 0.939), knee flexion (P = 0.576) and extension (P = 0.431) ROM, and knee extensor torque (eccentric P = 0.923 and concentric P = 0.723) for the main effects and interactions of knee (ACL-reconstructed and ACL-intact) and time (0-12 months, 13-24 months, 25-36 months and 37+ months). The covariate, sex, did produce significant differences for the hop test (P < 0.0001) and isokinetic testing (eccentric peak torque P = 0.003 and concentric peak torque P=0.012). Conclusions: Clinicians may consider present rehabilitation protocols to be adequate in developing ROM and isokinetic strength following ACL reconstruction. However, greater improvements in ROM and strength may be achieved over an extended period following ACL reconstruction surgery.

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