Effect of stabilization on maximal isokinetic torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle during concentric and eccentric contractions.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stabilization on the maximal isokinetic torque generated by the quadriceps femoris muscle during concentric and eccentric contractions at different velocities using the KIN/COM isokinetic dynamometer. Fifteen female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 32 years were trained to perform maximal isokinetic concentric and eccentric contractions. Each subject participated in two testing sessions. In one testing session, subjects were stabilized maximally, and in the other testing session, subjects were stabilized minimally. Subjects were tested both concentrically and eccentrically at velocities of 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees, 180 degrees, and 200 degrees/sec. The velocity sequence and stabilization procedure used were randomly assigned. Two nested model analyses of variance followed by post hoc comparisons were used to analyze the data. Results revealed no significant difference between the maximal stabilization procedure and the minimal stabilization procedure for concentric and eccentric contractions. The results of this study should aid rehabilitation specialists in the development of testing and rehabilitation procedures when using the KIN/COM.