title: Evoked tetanic torque and activation level explain strength differences by side.
abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that healthy young people typically have side-to-side differences in knee strength of about 10% when the peak torque generated by the stronger leg is contrasted with that of the weaker leg. However, the mechanisms responsible for side-to-side differences in knee strength have not been clearly defined. The current study tested the hypothesis that side-to-side knee extensor strength differences are explained by inter-limb variations in voluntary activation, antagonistic hamstrings activity, and electrically evoked torque at rest. Twenty-two volunteers served as subjects. Side-to-side differences in quadriceps activation and electrically evoked knee extensor torque explained 69% of the strength differences by side. Antagonistic hamstrings activity did not contribute significantly. The results suggest both central and peripheral mechanisms contribute to inter-limb variations in strength.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1190, USA.
authors.forename: Chandramouli
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krishnan
authors.forename: Glenn N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012032:Refractory Period, Electrophysiological / Q000502:physiology*; D019415:Torque; D055815:Young Adult