Abstract
INTRODUCTION. There is often a misconception when looking at comparing dominant and non-dominant limbs of any sort. Although there will be a lack of control in non-dominant limbs compared to dominant, the amount of torque and power associated with each limb may be equal; even so, there may be an instance of bilateral deficit, where even though the dominant limb may be used to do work on a specific limb, the non-dominant limb may still receive strength benefits. PURPOSE. The main purpose of this study is to directly relate ability (torque and total work) in both dominant and non-dominate limbs with a focus on knee flexion and extension. METHODS. Participants: Four (N = 4; 4 males, 0 females) volunteers were utilized for this study. The average age of the participants were 24.5 + 1.73 years old, average height was 71.75 + 3.20” (inches or 182.245 centimeters), and average weight was 183.26 + 45.78 pounds (83.3 kilograms). Methodology: Upon arriving to the lab, each participant was measured for height (recorded in inches) and weight (recorded in kilograms), as well as age was recorded (years). Each participant was added into the system when they attempted to perform the protocol. The protocol utilized isokinetic concentric/concentric contractions on the knee for three separate speeds or sets (30/s, 60/s, and 90/s); each set included 5 repetitions. Upon completion of each set (5 repetitions) the participant would be allowed 10 seconds of rest. Following the same protocol, all participants would complete the test using their non-dominate leg. RESULTS. The value and percent difference associated with dominant and non-dominant extension (both torque and work) were rather large. As seen in the percent difference section, the value of each percent difference were at least 7.83% (min) and as high as 27.43% (max). There was also a noticeable percent difference associated with 90/s in flexion for both torque and work between dominant and non-dominant with values at torque = 19.97% and work = 16.23%. DISCUSSION. This study may help provide insight into how dominant and non-dominant limbs may be trained and how they may be equal even without training. This may be untrue due to many variables, but this study has allowed a certain insight into how dominant and non-dominant limbs may be equal in gross motor movements. Results that find non-dominant to dominant differences may be errors due the tester and/or the participant; it may be due to the participant because of situational awareness, they may learn the protocol and movements with one leg and adjust using the other.
Recommended Citation
Sparks, Joshua; Carter, Jeremy; and Brooks, Kelly
(2011)
"Comparing Dominant and Non-Dominant Torque and Work Using Biodex 3 Isokinetic Protocol for Knee Flexors and Extensors,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 5:
Iss.
2, Article 35.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol5/iss2/35