Reproducibility and reliability of measurements using a linear isokinetic dynamometer, Aristokin (R)

Background. This study was performed to investigate the intraobserver repro ducibility and reliability of measurements using a linear isokinetic dynamo meter (Aristokin (R)). Methods. Sixteen female volunteers (age 18 to 23 years) participated in 4 t est sessions, each consisting of 6 warming-up movements followed by 6 repet itions of 4 different movements. During each session, the subjects consecut ively performed lifting movements by flexing elbows and shoulders (at 65 cm per see), total lifting movements with arms and legs (at 65 cm per see), a nd extension movements of the legs in sitting position (at 40 and 60 cm per see). The first 3 test sessions were performed at a weekly interval, the 4 th was executed 4 weeks after the 3rd session. Force, power and explosivity (force developed per see) were recorded. Results. The intra-observer reproducibility was investigated of the 6 repet itions of the movements during each test session. The highest reproducibili ty for mean peak power and force was found in the combination of the 3rd, 4 th, 5th and 6th measurement (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.85 to 0.9 9). Using this combination, the intra-observer reliability was investigated , defined as the consistency of results obtained during the 4 test sessions , performed at a weekly or longer interval. Comparison between these sessio ns showed that the results for mean force in the arm movement differed sign ificantly (p=0.01) although a high between sessions correlation was found ( 0.96). Results for mean force and power for the 3 other movements were reliable, a nd no significant learning effect was observed. Lower reliability and repro ducibility were observed for other parameters including explosivity and pow er and force at the first 0.25 see of the test movement. Conclusions. Even after standard warming-up movements, the first 2 out of 6 measurement repetitions during a test session are not reproducible and sho uld not be used in calculations of the results. For the combination of the 3rd to 6th repetitions, a high reliability was found for the measurement of mean force and power of the total lifting movement and of the sitting leg extension movements repeated in 4 sessions over a period of 6 weeks.