The Concept of Acceleration and Deceleration in Isokinetics and Its Relation to 3 Hop Tests

Abstract

Context: Both isokinetic testing and functional tests are often used during patient rehabilitation programs. Most researchers have assessed the relationship of isokinetic testing and functional tests in parameters such as peak moment, work, or power. However, little information exists regarding the acceleration and deceleration parameters and their relationship to function. Design: The purpose of the study was to investigate the concept of acceleration and deceleration of the knee flexor and extensor muscle groups during isokinetic testing and its relationship to function. Methods: Twenty-six healthy individuals (14 men and 12 women) participated in the study. Isokinetic bilateral concentric knee flexion and extension muscular performance was assessed isokinetically at the angular velocities of 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s. Functional performance was also assessed using (1) single hop for distance, (2) triple hop for distance, and (3) single timed hop. Functional data were normalized to body weight. A P value <.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Fair and moderate to good correlations (r = .396, P = .045 to r = .705, P = .001) were discovered between flexors’ and extensors’ acceleration/deceleration variables and the normalized to body weight functional tests. Conclusions: Appropriate understanding of isokinetic parameters as described in this study, including acceleration/deceleration values, may provide useful information about the functional ability of the lower limb muscular system.