Abstract
Objective. To establish the inter-session reproducibility of isokinetic concentric strength and fatigue profile of the elbow flexors and extensors in sedentary women.
Methods. Forty healthy women who were physically inactive or engaged in recreational sports were included in the study. Strength was evaluated at 60 and 180°/s. The fatigue protocol consisted of 30 maximal-intensity elbow flexion and extension at 180°/s.
Results. The extensors were stronger than flexors while no dominance effect was apparent. In addition the work output of the extensors during the fatigue protocol was larger than the flexors', the previous being more fatigue resistant. A dominance effect was observed for the extensors in the fatiguing protocol. Reproducibility expressed by the coefficient of variation was less or equal to 11%.
Conclusions. This study highlights satisfactory reproducibility of isokinetic strength and fatigue parameters. The values derived may be useful for interpretation of clinical tests or characterization of pathological states in women with similar characteristics.