Effects of shin pad placement of isokinetic measurements of peak torque and comfort with knee flexion and extension

Abstract

To determine the effects of shin pad placement on peak torque and reported comfort with knee flexion and extension a cross-over design was utilized. Two groups of 30 individuals tested either quadriceps or hamstring muscle groups on the Cybex 340. Unidirectional concentric maximal contractions with the shin pad placed anteriorly and posteriorly on the lower leg were performed at 60 and 120 degrees/second with the subjects seated. Peak torque was derived as art average of the test repetitions computed by the Cybex 340. Comfort was assessed via a rank order question. Conclusions: (a) hamstring posterior shin pad placement results (as opposed to anterior placement) showed significant difference (p = .05) with the t-test in peak torque at 60 degrees/second; (b) assessment of reported comfort (anterior versus posterior pad placement) was insignificant; (c) no significant correlation was found between peak torque and professed degree of comfort.