Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of measurements derived from a plantar flexion and dorsiflexion isokinetic test protocol. Recreationally active men (n=8) and women(n=18) were seated in 30° of trunk flexion and full knee extension (0° of knee flexion) and performed three concentric and eccentric dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements at the speeds of 30°/s and 120°/s on two different occasions. Peak torque (PT) and average torque (AT) measurements were obtained and compared across the two sessions. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC's) values indicated acceptable reproducibility for the concentric and eccentric PT and AT values of dorsiflexion (range from 0.77–0.93) and plantar flexion (range from 0.78–0.95). The corresponding Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) values indicated a good level of measurement precision. These findings suggest that this isokinetic test protocol involving an extended knee position for isolating PF and DF ankle motions produces reliable measurements. This test protocol offers a viable alternative to traditional test positions used to assess isokinetic strength in the ankle joint.