Evaluation of knee extensor muscles under non-isokinetic conditions in elderly subjects

This paper describes the application of the inverse dynamic method develope d by Bosco and colleagues for measuring the mechanical properties of knee e xtensor muscles under ballistic conditions. Twenty elderly men performed a series of maximal ballistic leg extensions at different loads. Accurate mea surements of friction and inertial effects during the movement were used to calculate the torque and power produced during extension. The error of the results was 6.2-45.3% when the friction and inertial effects were neglecte d. The torque-angular velocity relationships were linear (r = 0.92 to 0.99, p <.001). The peak measurements obtained were in agree ment with published isokinetic values. This new ergometer allows assessment of movements simil ar to those performed in day-to-day activities and can be used, without tra ining, by elderly or disabled subjects.