Comparison of effectiveness of isokinetic and isotonic exercise in quadriceps strengthening.

Abstract

COMPARISON OF EFFECTIVENESS OF ISOKINETIC AND ISOTONIC EXERCISE IN QUADRICEPS STRENGTHENING Charles J. Divitto PURPOSE: It was the general purpose of this study to explore the area of methods of muscular strength development. More specifically this study was designed to compare the efficacy of two such methods, the older isotonic approach and the more recent isoktnetic approach. PROBLEM: Is there a significant difference in muscular strength gain with isokinetic exercises as compared to isotonic exercises in the quadricep muscle group? PROCEDURE: The sixty subjects used in this study were divided into three different groups: control group, isotonic group and isokinetic group. A total of twenty subjects were in e~ch group. Each group was pre-tested and then post-tested after a six week training period. The testing was done with a cable tensiometer at several different angles in the non-dominant leg knee extension. The comparative difference of strength gained between the pretest and post-tests at each particular angle, and between groups were analyzed statistically. The statistical method used was the pre-test and an analysis of covariance at the .05 level of significance. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in strength gain between the isotonic method and the isokinetic method with the exception of the 90 degree angle. For the most part then, these two methods of strength development appear to be equal within the limitations of this study.