Influence of recovery time on strength during an isokinetic testing protocol of knee

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that a one minute between set rest period was sufficient for recovery. The aim of the present study was to compare the influence of different rest intervals. Two sets of five isokinetic contractions of flexor-extensor knee muscles in a cohort composed of 14 men (32.5 years ± 8) with three counter-balanced rest intervals of 30, 60 and 180 seconds were proposed. The comparison of the isokinetic values measured during the first set of each evaluation session showed no significant differences (0.55 < P < 0.80). The analysis of the time and rest interval interaction demonstrated a systematic lack of significant difference between the isokinetic measures obtained after the counter-balanced rest intervals for peak torque of the quadriceps and of the hamstrings and for the mean power of the quadriceps and the hamstrings. These findings raise questions about a strict energetic approach which focused on the rest interval needed for the resynthesis of phosphocreatine substrates mobilized during a maximal effort. So, future research should analyze the interaction of force production and fatigue phenomena in relation to the rest interval.