Concentric and eccentric isokinetic assessment of flexor-extensor torque ratios at the hip, knee, and ankle in a sample population of healthy subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the relationship between the flexor/extensor torque ratios in the hip, knee, and ankle.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Laboratory of a university rehabilitation department.


METHODS
From a group of 158 healthy volunteers, 138 subjects completed all the tests in concentric mode, and 65 in eccentric mode.


METHODS
The flexor/extensor torque ratios of the hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed by means of isokinetic concentric and eccentric tests. Analysis of variance was carried out to compare the mean values of the ratios obtained between the male and female populations and between the right and left sides, and correlation analysis between the values of the joints.


RESULTS
The flexor/extensor torque ratios differed significantly according to sex and angular velocities, but not according to side except for the ankle. No significant relationship was found between the flexor/extensor torque ratios in the hip, knee, and ankle joints.


CONCLUSIONS
The flexor-extensor torque ratio of the knee and hip can be used as a reference point during rehabilitation of the contralateral side. Our results demonstrating the absence of correlation between the flexor/extensor torque ratio in each joint of the same limb, however, call for further longitudinal studies to be made under specific circumstances, such as training or immobilization of one joint, to follow the course of agonist/antagonist ratios and the synergistic activity between the joints.
Calmels
P M
PM
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Lisfranc School of Medicine, Saint-Etienne University, France.
Nellen
M
M
van der Borne
I
I
Jourdin
P
P
Minaire
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / Q000379:methods; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology; D019415:Torque