The effect of isokinetic dynamometer deceleration phase on maximum ankle joint range of motion and plantar flexor mechanical properties tested at different angular velocities

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Journal of Biomechanics

ISSN

1873-2380

Volume

92

First Page

169

Last Page

174

PubMed ID

31171370

Publisher

Elsevier Ltd

School

Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research / School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

29600

Comments

Pinto, M. D., Wilson, C., Kay, A. D., Cochrane, J., & Blazevich, A. J. (2019). The effect of isokinetic dynamometer deceleration phase on maximum ankle joint range of motion and plantar flexor mechanical properties tested at different angular velocities. Journal of Biomechanics, 92, 169–174. Available here

Abstract

During range of motion (max-ROM) tests performed on an isokinetic dynamometer, the mechanical delay between the button press (by the participant to signal their max-ROM) and the stopping of joint rotation resulting from system inertia induces errors in both max-ROM and maximum passive joint moment. The present study aimed to quantify these errors by comparing data when max-ROM was obtained from the joint position data, as usual (max-ROMPOS), to data where max-ROM was defined as the first point of dynamometer arm deceleration (max-ROMACC). Fifteen participants performed isokinetic ankle joint max-ROM tests at 5, 30 and 60° s−1. Max-ROM, peak passive joint moment, end-range musculo-articular (MAC) stiffness and area under the joint moment-position curve were calculated. Greater max-ROM was observed in max-ROMPOS than max-ROMACC (P < 0.01) at 5 (0.2 ± 0.15%), 30 (1.8 ± 1.0%) and 60° s−1 (5.9 ± 2.3%), with the greatest error at the fastest velocity. Peak passive moment was greater and end-range MAC stiffness lower in max-ROMPOS than in max-ROMACC only at 60° s−1 (P < 0.01), whilst greater elastic energy storage was found at all velocities. Max-ROM and peak passive moment are affected by the delay between button press and eventual stopping of joint rotation in an angular velocity-dependent manner. This affects other variables calculated from the data. When high data accuracy is required, especially at fast joint rotation velocities (≥30° s−1), max-ROM (and associated measures calculated from joint moment data) should be taken at the point of first change in acceleration rather than at the dynamometer’s ultimate joint position.

DOI

10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.05.036

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