PURPOSE: Familiarization is necessary for an accurate strength assessment as it reduces confounding factors such as learning and training effects. However, the number of contractions required for familiarization and whether cross-limb transfer during familiarization could affect bilateral assessment are unknown. This study aimed at identifying the number of maximum contractions required for isokinetic knee extension and flexion familiarization in both dominant (D) and non-dominant limb (ND).
METHODS: Twenty-eight right-limb dominant males (age: 22.64 ± 2.60 years, BMI: 23.82 ± 2.85 kg/m2) performed a total of 6 sets (each consisted of 5 continuous maximum contractions) at 60o/s for each limb.
RESULTS: The number of sets required for familiarization is determined when the average peak torque achieved stabilization from the series of contractions of each limb. For knee extension, 3 sets (15 contractions) were required for familiarization, whereas 2 sets (10 contractions) for knee flexion in both limbs. Interestingly, for knee extension in ND, the number of sets required for familiarization was reduced to 2 following contralateral contractions in D, however, for knee extension in D, there was no difference in the number of sets required for familiarization following contralateral contractions in ND. While for knee flexion, no cross-limb transfer was observed. These observations suggest the presence of cross-limb transfer from D to ND during familiarization which implies the involvement of the central nervous system.
CONCLUSIONS: Practically, familiarization for bilateral isokinetic strength assessment for knee extension and flexion at 60o/s should begin with the dominant limb for 3 sets to obtain accurate and reliable measurements.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.