Lifting ability and leg strength.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between peak torques of lower extremity muscle groups and lifting ability with a floor-to-knuckle leg lift in a healthy person. Twenty-four healthy, young subjects between the ages of 20 and 40 participated in the study. Each subject was tested for 1) isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors and hip extensors and flexors on a Cybex II dynamometer, 2) isometric lifting ability using a strain gauge dynamometer, and 3) maximum lifting ability using a box and free weights. The subjects used a squat technique and maintained a neutral spine position with a lordotic curve during the lifts. No significant correlations were found with the data analysis for the entire group. For 15 male subjects, the regression equations revealed a statistically significant correlation between isokinetic knee extensor peak torque (180 degrees /sec) and isokinetic hip extensor peak torque (30 degrees /sec) with both maximum lifting ability and isometric lifting ability. The regression equations were MAXIMUM LIFT = 46.1 + 0.92Q + 0.10H (F = 4.07, p < 0.05) and ISOMETRIC LIFT = 16.6 + 23Q + 1.05H (F = 6.32, p < 0.025) (Q: isokinetic knee extensor peak torque at 180 degrees /sec; H: isokinetic hip extensor peak torque at 30 degrees /sec). No statistically significant correlations were found for the nine females. These results indicate that in a healthy, young population, isokinetic knee extensor and hip extensor peak torque may be predictors of floor-to-knuckle leg lifting ability in males, but not in females. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;14(1):24-30.

Distal sensory latencies of the ulnar nerve in long distance bicyclists: pilot study*.

* This article is adapted from a paper written in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Master of Science Degree, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710. Ulnar neuropathy, an overuse compression syndrome injury of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, is frequently associated with bicycling. Previous studies have shown that after severe compression injury to the ulnar nerve there is a change in nerve conduction velocity. The purpose of this study was to determine if long distance bicyclists have altered nerve conduction velocities due to repeated sustained compression of the ulnar nerve. This study compares the distal sensory latency period of the ulnar nerve in 15 controls and 10 long distance cyclists. The controls bicycled less than 10 miles per week on the average and the long distance cyclists bicycled an average of more than 100 miles per week. Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.002) in distal sensory latencies between long distance cyclists and the control group. However, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.10) between distance bicycled and latency. Results of this study lead to the belief that there may be adaptive changes in long distance cyclists which could account for changes in sensory nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(11):370-374.