G. Nuyens, W. De Weerdt, A. Spaepen, L. Janssens, P. Ketelaer and K. Bogaerts
DOI: 10.1080/16501977326165

In the literature, few data are available about the reliability of torque measured during passive isokinetic knee move- ments. This study investigated the consistency of torque measurements during passive knee movements at 60, 180 and 300°/second in 30 healthy subjects. Intraclass correla- tion values ranged between 0. 78 and 0. 92 when the results of two consecutive tests were compared. When retests were performed after repositioning the subjects, intraclass corre- lation values ranged between 0. 43 and 0. 87. These findings indicate the necessity for meticulous standardization of the test situation. Series of 10 consecutive movements, specifi- cally repetitions of knee flexion at 180 and 300°/second, indicated that torque measurements during the first two movements were less stable than those following. A con- current change in electromyographic activity in the rectus femoris muscle suggested that these torque variations resulted from habituation of the stretch reflex