Core muscle strength can be reliably measured using a novel isokinetic device: An intra-observer study

BACKGROUND: Core strength is an important aspect of physical fitness. A dynamometer was developed to measure isokinetic core muscle strength in multiple planes of motion. Establishing the reliability is needed before it can be used in practice. OBJECTIVE: Examine the intra-observer reliability of a trunk isokinetic dynamometer. METHODS: 31 participants were recruited. Tests were performed twice with an interval of 5-9 days by the same observer. Testing included rotation, flexion/extension and lateral flexion at speeds of 90 degrees/s and 60 degrees/s. The main outcome measure was peak torque (PT). The secondary outcomes included peak torque angle (PTA), time to peak torque (TTPT) and compensatory torques (CompTQ). The intra-observer reliability was investigated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Peak torque reliability was good to excellent (ICC = 0.70-0.91), whereas the reliability of the PTA (ICC = 0.04-0.56) and TTPT (ICC = 0.01-0.68) were poor to moderate. CompTQ reliability was moderate to good (ICC = 0.20-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: The intra-observer reliability of the isokinetic measurement of core strength peak torque was good. The secondary outcomes peak torque angle and time to peak torque were less reliable and the compensatory torques showed moderate to good reliability. This isokinetic dynamometer could have useful applications in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Automated summary

This study examined the intra-observer reliability of a trunk isokinetic dynamometer. The results showed good reliability for peak torque of core strength, while peak torque angle and time to peak torque had lower reliability. Compensatory torques showed moderate to good reliability.