Interobserver and intraobserver reliability in lower-limb flexibility measurements.

AIM: To describe the inter- and intraobserver reliability of lower extremity flexibility tests, and to explore the effect of sports activity on the results. METHODS: A total of 66 subjects consisting of 20 professional athletes, 26 active subjects performing any sporting activity and 20 control subjects were included. Various flexibility tests were performed to determine hamstring, quadriceps and hip adductor muscle flexibility by two examiners blinded to each other for interobserver reliability. Intraobserver reliability of tests were evaluated by one the examiners 1 week later. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and critical difference (CD). RESULTS: ICC analysis showed that inter- and intra-observer reliability results were satisfactory for all measurements. Athletes performed the best results of inter- and intraobserver reliability for flexibility tests in means of CV and CD compared with active and control groups (P<0.05). Popliteal angle measurement was the most reliable one among hamstring flexibility tests where as the least reliable test was chair sit and reach test in all groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating extensively the reliability of flexibility tests in different intensities of sports activity. Flexibility measurements of quadriceps and hip adductor muscles can be used reliably in clinical practice as hamstring flexibility tests. The intensity of performed activity may have an effect on the reliability of flexibility tests.

Isokinetic muscle strength for ankle extensors and flexors: a comparison between elite sprint runners and swimmers.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate through isokinetic tests the muscular condition of ankles of elite sprint swimmers and elite sprint runners, and make comparisons within these groups. METHODS: Fourteen elite swimmers and 8 elite runners were included in this cross-sectional study. The ankle extensors and flexors strength characteristics of elite sprinter athletes were tested at a slow (30 degrees/s) and a fast (120 degrees/s) speed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Subjects were assessed by one examiner on six separate days, within a 2-week period. RESULTS: A significant difference was noted between right and left sides for ankle joint flexors in runners at slow speed. Runners had higher left ankle flexion measures at 30 degrees/s and 120 degrees/s angular velocity than swimmers. There was no significant difference between the peak torques of the left and right sides at all angular velocities in swimmers. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the ankle flexors and extensors strength characteristics of elite sprinter swimmers making a comparison with elite sprinter runners. The findings presented in this study report the sport specific difference between the sprint swimmers and sprint runners. These values add a quantative dimension to rehabilitative and preventive sports medicine for elite sprinter runners and swimmers.