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01-11-2008 | Original Article

Assessment of torque-steadiness reliability at the ankle level in healthy young subjects: implications for cerebral palsy

Authors: Thomas Bandholm, Martin Høyer Rose, Stig Sonne-Holm, Bente Rona Jensen

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2008

Abstract

It was the primary objective of this study to investigate whether quantifying fluctuations in dorsi and plantarflexor torque during submaximal isometric contractions is a reliable measurement in young healthy subjects. A secondary objective was to investigate the reliability of the associated muscle activity (EMG) data. Eighteen young subjects (12.8 ± 3.1 years, mean ± 1 SD) were examined twice. At each visit, fluctuations in exerted torque (torque steadiness) and muscle activity from the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were determined during submaximal isometric dorsi and plantarflexions. The relative reliability of the torque steadiness variables was substantial (0.80 < ICC_3.1 < 0.92), with an absolute reliability (average coefficient of variation) of 13–17%. The relative reliability of the muscle activity data was generally moderate (0.51 < ICC_3.1 < 0.90), with an absolute reliability of 6–26%. The reliability of dorsi and plantarflexion torque-steadiness measurements proved to be good in young healthy subjects.

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Title: Assessment of torque-steadiness reliability at the ankle level in healthy young subjects: implications for cerebral palsy
Authors: Thomas Bandholm
Martin Høyer Rose
Stig Sonne-Holm
Bente Rona Jensen
Publication date: 01-11-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0808-5

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Assessment of torque-steadiness reliability at the ankle level in healthy young subjects: implications for cerebral palsy

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