title: Using submaximal contractions to predict the maximum force-generating ability of muscles.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Muscle weakness can be caused by decreases in either the maximum force-generating ability of a muscle (MFGA) or neural drive from the nervous system (e.g., after a stroke). Presently, there is no agreed-upon practical method for calculating the MFGA in individuals with central nervous system pathology. The purpose of this study was to identify the best method for determining MFGA.
  
  
  METHODS
  The predicted and estimated MFGA of the muscles of 23 non-neurologically impaired subjects (13 males, 21.9 ± 1.9 years) were compared using the burst superimposition, twitch interpolation, doublet interpolation, twitch-to-tetanus ratio, and the adjusted burst superimposition methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The adjusted burst superimposition test was the most accurate predictor of MFGA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further testing is needed to validate the use of the adjusted burst superimposition test in a neurologically impaired population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: Brian A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Knarr
authors.forename: Ramu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Perumal
authors.forename: Trisha M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Kesar
authors.forename: Stuart A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Binder-Macleod
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013035:Spasm / Q000503:physiopathology