Reliability of isometric and isokinetic peak torque of elbow flexors and elbow extensors muscles in trained swimmers

Abstract

In this study, it was hypothesized that the peak torque reliability would depend on the type of muscular action. The aim of this study was to analyze and to compare the reliability of isometric peak torque (IPT) and isokinetic peak torque at speeds of 60º.s-1 and 180°.s-1 (CPT60 and CPT180, respectively) of elbow flexors (EF) and elbow extensors (EE) muscles in trained swimmers. Twenty trained male swimmers (23 ± 5 years) performed the following protocols in different days: 1) Familiarization to isokinetic dynamometer; 2) Two maximal isometric voluntary contractions to determine IPT and five maximal concentric isokinetic contractions at 60º.s-1 and 180°.s-1 to determine CPT60 and CPT180, respectively (T1). The tests for IPT, CPT60 and CPT180 determination were performed in random order, and; 3) The same tests were performed in the same order of those performed on the second day (T2). There was no significant difference of IPT, CPT60 and CPT180 values between T1 and T2. Higher intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and

lower typical error (TE) of IPT (ICC - 0.87 – 0.92; TE - 6.9 – 10.9%) in relation to CPT60 (CCI - 0.66 – 0.79, TE - 12.0 – 12.8%) and CPT180 (ICC - 0.85 - 0.85; TE - 8.5 – 9.2%) was observed. Based on these results, it could be concluded that the peak torque of EF and EE muscles presents moderate to excellent reliability, and can be influenced by the type of muscular action performed by trained swimmers.