Antagonist muscle activity during maximal isometric knee strength testing

Abstract

Atrophy and weakness are common after anterior cruciate ligament injury and in people with knee osteoarthritis (Lewek et al., 2004; Williams et al., 2005). Strength testing is an important part of managing people with knee conditions such as these, as the strength is often used as a criteria for surgical timing, rehabilitation progression, and return to sport. Antagonist activity may lead to measurement errors in strength testing, which adversely impact clinical decision-making. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude and variability (by side and across sessions) of antagonist muscle activity during maximal voluntary isometric knee strength testing in males and females.