Isokinetic and isometric torque values using a Kin-Com dynamometer in normal subjects aged 20 to 69 years

Objective: To obtain normal torque values for the knee extensors and flexors using, a Kin-Com dynamometer in a large group of normal subjects. Design: We used a Kin-Com dynamometer to measure the isokinetic torque at 60 and 120 deg/sec and isometric torque of the knee extensors and flexors in a sample of 200 normal subjects aged 20 to 69 years. Results: Reliability coefficients for average and isometric torque were > 0.82 for both intra- and inter-session reliability. Male subjects exerted a significantly greater isokinetic and isometric torque than female subjects for both muscle groups and age was a significant predictor of torque for all tests. The 5th percentile values, as the lower limit of normal, are reported separately for gender and side of testing for each decade of age, and may be used for comparison to patient data providing that the specified testing protocol and a Kin-Com dynamometer are used. Copyright © 2000 IOS Press.