Reliability, precision, and gender differences in knee internal/external rotation proprioception measurements.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and assess the reliability and precision of knee internal/external rotation (IR/ER) threshold to detect passive motion (TTDPM) and determine if gender differences exist.


METHODS
Test-retest for the reliability/precision and cross-sectional for gender comparisons.


METHODS
University neuromuscular and human performance research laboratory.


METHODS
Ten subjects for the reliability and precision aim. Twenty subjects (10 males and 10 females) for gender comparisons.


METHODS
All TTDPM tests were performed using a multi-mode dynamometer. Subjects performed TTDPM at two knee positions (near IR or ER end-range). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (3,k)) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to evaluate the reliability and precision. Independent t-tests were used to compare genders.


METHODS
TTDPM toward IR and ER at two knee positions.


RESULTS
Intrasession and intersession reliability and precision were good (ICC=0.68-0.86; SEM=0.22°-0.37°). Females had significantly diminished TTDPM toward IR at IR-test position (males: 0.77°±0.14°, females: 1.18°±0.46°, p=0.021) and TTDPM toward IR at the ER-test position (males: 0.87°±0.13°, females: 1.36°±0.58°, p=0.026). No other significant gender differences were found (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The current IR/ER TTDPM methods are reliable and accurate for the test-retest or cross-section research design. Gender differences were found toward IR where the ACL acts as the secondary restraint.
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 3830 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA. tnagai@pitt.edu
Takashi
T
Nagai
Timothy C
TC
Sell
John P
JP
Abt
Scott M
SM
Lephart
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D011434:Proprioception; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D055815:Young Adult