EFFECT OF FATIGUING MAXIMAL ISOKINETIC QUADRICEPS CONTRACTIONS ON ABILITY TO ESTIMATE KNEE-POSITION

This randomized controlled study compared the accuracy of knee positio ning by 8 women after fatiguing maximal isokinetic contractions of the quadriceps with those of 8 controls who performed no exercise. The me an algebraic error (AE) and variable error, (VE) showed a significant posttest improvement for the control group after a 5-min. intertrial p eriod. There was no change in accuracy of knee positioning postexercis e, however, for the experimental group. These findings suggest that, w hile a single bout of fatiguing knee exercises may not alter absolute accuracy of knee positioning, the movements may undermine the relative proficiency attainable by learning. They suggest a role for central a s well as peripheral mechanisms in mediating this sensory modality.