RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PREFERRED AND MAXIMUM EFFORT LOW-BACK MOTION

The purpose of this study was to determine if subjects differed in the ir preferred and maximum effort low-back-movement characteristics, and to determine if preferred low-back-movement characteristics could con tribute to the prediction of maximum effort performance parameters. Si xteen subjects performed a flexibility trial, isometric exertions, and both maximum effort and preferred effort repetitive trunk motion agai nst a resistance set at 50% of the recorded maximum isometric torques. All movement directions about all three primary axes were examined. T he results showed that the preferred low-back-movement characteristics were different from those when a maximum effort was requested, althou gh the performances were equally consistent. It was possible to reason ably predict maximum effort velocities from a knowledge of the preferr ed effort velocities.