Isokinetic peak torque and work relationship in the laterally unstable knee.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the relationship between the isometric and isokinetic peak torque (speed of movement 0 degrees, 60 degrees, and 180 degrees/s) and the total work output of multiple contractions (180 degrees/s) of the quadriceps and hamstrings in subjects suffering from a chronic insufficiency of the lateral ligament compartment (LAT) of the knee. At every test speed the Pearson product moment (r) and the Spearman rank (rs) correlation coefficients between the peak torque and total work were highly significant for both muscle groups in the uninjured (r = .87-.97, rs = .86-.93) as well as in the laterally unstable (r = .65-.90, rs = .71-.90) knees. In both knees and in both muscle groups the correlation coefficients increased towards the highest speed of the isokinetic movement, obviously since the total work was registered at that speed. In conclusion, concerning laterally unstable knees the total work analysis may offer little additional information to that attained by more simple measurement, the peak torque analysis.

Evaluation of abnormal biomechanics of the foot and ankle in athletes.

Athletes often suffer from recurrent or chronic overuse symptoms of the lower extremities. During the office visit it is essential to analyse the patient's shoes, gait cycle, lower extremities and, especially, the talocrural, subtalar and more distal joints of the ankle and foot. The basic (clinical) biomechanical analysis can be supplemented by radiographs, treadmill and video analysis and mirror table (podoscope) examinations. Ideally, successful pain relief by correction of the observed abnormality with an orthotic device completes the diagnostic procedure, especially if symptoms return soon after the removal of the device. In treatment custom-made, expensive orthotics should not be prescribed for overuse symptoms without an obvious malalignment, for asymptomatic athletes with a malalignment, or for symptoms in which the causal relationship between the biomechanical abnormality and symptoms is difficult to see. Strict indications for prescription of orthotics and close cooperation between the attending physician, physical therapist and orthotist are prerequisites for obtaining good, long-lasting results.

Torque acceleration energy, power and peak torque in thigh muscles after a previous knee sprain.

This investigation assessed the relationship between the isometric and isokinetic peak torque (PT) (speed of movement 0, 60, and 180 degrees(s) and (I) the peak torque acceleration energy (PTAE), and (2) average power (AP) of multiple contractions (180 degrees/s) of the quadriceps and hamstrings in subjects with a past history of a grade I knee injury. At every test speed the Pearson product moment (r) and the Spearman rank (rs) correlation coefficients between the PT and PTAE were significant (p less than .001) for both muscle groups in the uninjured (r = .83-.97, rs = .84-.97) as well as in the injured (r = .86-.95, rs = .86-.95) Knees. The results were similar in comparison of PT and AP (uninjured: r = .81-.97, rs = .81 -.97; injured: r = .82-.98, rs = .83-.98). The PTAE and AP analyses offer little additional information about thigh muscle function to that obtained through more simple measurements, the PT analysis.