An Optimal Interset Rest Period For Strength Recovery During A Common Isokinetic Test

Abstract

Isokinetic testing has been used in rehabilitation settings on a regular basis, yet there is a lack of consistency in rest period usage among protocols. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish an optimal rest period that would allow reproducibility of strength during a common isokinetic strength-test. METHOD: Twenty-seven healthy college-aged males (23 ± 3.8 yrs and body weight 79.61 ± 11.11 kg) underwent isokinetic strength testing (Cybex NORM) of the knee flexors and extensors, to determine peak torque at 60, 180 and 300 deg/sec, respectively. Work:rest ratios of 1:3, 1:8 and 1:12 were counterbalanced between sets. Subjects were tested on five separate occasions; two familiarization sessions and three experimental sessions. A 3 X 3 repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data with a <.05. RESULTS: There was no significant interaction of rest and velocity for either knee extension or knee flexion peak torque. Secondly, there was no significant difference in either knee extension or knee flexion peak torque when comparing work:rest ratios. However, there was a significant difference in peak torque between velocities: knee extension peak torque (F= 498.238, p <.05), knee flexion peak torque (F=1048.166, p <.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a 1:3 work:rest ratio is sufficient during a common isokinetic strength test. Furthermore, the lack of significant differences among work:rest ratios suggests the need for more research in this area to better understand the impact of rest duration on strength performance.