Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate the reliability and agreement of the IsoKai isokinetic lift test as it is currently administered in admission to the Swedish Armed Forces. The study included an intrarater (n = 534) and interrater reliability sample (n = 137), of Swedish male conscripts who performed the test on two test occasions about two hours apart. Two-to-four lifts were performed at each occasion, and the highest mean (IsoKaiMF) and peak force (IsoKaiPF) produced (N) were used for evaluation. All intraclass coefficients showed excellent reliability. The interrater analyses resulted in intraclass coefficients of 0.942 (95% CI; 0.920–0.959) and 0.858 (95% CI; 0.806–0.896) for the IsoKaiMF and IsoKaiPF, respectively, while the corresponding coefficients for the intrarater analyses were 0.935 (95% CI; 0.923–0.946) and 0.865 (95% CI; 0.842–0.886). Agreement, the capability of a test to detect changes, was assessed by the standard error of measurement (SEM/SEM%) and the smallest real difference (SRD/SRD%). These estimate indicated that it is possible to achieve measurements relevant to use in real practice with the IsoKai isokinetic lift test. Bland and Altman analyses revealed no systematic errors in either sample. Based on these findings, the IsoKai isokinetic lift test is suggested to be a highly reliable test for maximal dynamic muscular strength. The test could be of use in selection procedures in order to accurately evaluate maximal dynamic muscular strength, and for evaluating longitudinal changes in strength.
Highlights
Measuring muscular strength is often of interest and importance in many areas such as sports, rehabilitation, military settings and research [1,2,3]
Interrater reliability evaluates the consistency of test results at two test occasions administered by two different raters, while intrarater reliability evaluates the consistency between two test occasions administered by the same rater [6, 7].In some physically demanding occupations, muscular strength tests are used to evaluate work capacity in connection to admission for certain programs and for job selection during employment, e.g. firefighters, policemen and soldiers [8,9,10]
It is important that these strength tests are related to the work tasks commonly performed in the specific occupations in order to minimize the risk for disability, time off-duty and earlier retirement [8, 11]
Summary
Measuring muscular strength is often of interest and importance in many areas such as sports, rehabilitation, military settings and research [1,2,3]. The purpose of a strength test could be to define individual physical fitness level, distinguish individuals with regard to strength capacity, or to evaluate change in strength over time in individuals or in groups [1,2,3] This could, only be accomplished if the measures of strength are valid and reliable. It is important that these strength tests are related to the work tasks commonly performed in the specific occupations in order to minimize the risk for disability, time off-duty and earlier retirement [8, 11]. Such tests should be safe, fast and easy to administer
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