Effect of ascending vs. descending velocity order on peak torque during isokinetic testing in males

Abstract

The vast majority of previous research with isokinetic machines has used only ascending or random velocity sets during testing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect velocity order (ascending vs. descending order) had on peak torque of knee extension during isokinetic testing and to examine the differences in peak torque in collegiate and recreational athletes. Thirty healthy, college aged males (15 collegiat e athletes (CA): mean Age 20.27 yrs, Ht 178.99 cm, Mass 85.00 kgs and 15 recreational athletes (RA): Age 21.2 yrs, Ht 183.39 cm, Mass 89.06 kgs) performed two familiarization trials and four randomly assigned experimental trials. Subjects performed four knee extension repetitions at five velocities in eithe r ascending (60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 � /sec) or descending (300, 240, 180, 120, 60 � /sec) order. There was no significant ( p < 0.05) difference between the order of velocities and peak torque or between CA and RA groups. Although not statistically significant, RA produced greater peak torque than CA. This may be a result of numerous RAs in this study being former collegiate athletes. In conclusion, the order of velocities may not be pertinent when establishing a protocol for testing peak torque of the knee extensors in healthy college-aged males.