Comparing isometric and isokinetic peak strength values using slow speeds on a Cybex 340 isokinetic dynamometer machine

The purpose of this research was to compare isometric values (0 degreess(-l)) with isokinetic values generated at slow speeds (12 degreess(-1), 30 degreess(-1) and 60 degreess(-1)) based on measurement of 40 college males. A one-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference with respect to speeds (F-3,F-148 = 13.10, p < 0.01). A post hoc analysis showed that all speeds were significantly different from each other. The greatest average maximal hamstring strength values were produced with isometric (0<degrees> s(-l)) contractions and the least average maximal hamstring strength at 60 degrees s(-l). It is suggested that if a true absolute maximal hamstring strength test is desired for the hamstring musculature one should use a speed of 0 degreess(-l). Regression analysis indicated that a speed of 12 degreess(-1) produced the best regression equation. It is suggested that, the term peak strength rather than maximum strength should-be used for speeds greater than 0 degreess(-1).