Loughborough University
Browse
forrester2011.pdf (312.31 kB)

Comparing different approaches for determining joint torque parameters from isovelocity dynamometer measurements

Download (312.31 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2011-01-10, 12:50 authored by Steph ForresterSteph Forrester, Fred YeadonFred Yeadon, Mark KingMark King, Matthew PainMatthew Pain
Strength, or maximum joint torque, is a fundamental factor governing human movement which is regularly assessed for clinical and rehabilitative purposes as well as for research into human performance. This study aimed to identify the most appropriate protocol for fitting a maximum voluntary torque function to experimental joint torque data. Three participants performed maximum isometric and concentric-eccentric knee extension trials on an isovelocity dynamometer and a separate experimental protocol was used to estimate maximum knee extension angular velocity. A nine parameter maximum voluntary torque function, which included angle, angular velocity and neural inhibition effects, was fitted to the experimental torque data and three aspects of this fitting protocol were investigated. Using an independent experimental estimate of maximum knee extension angular velocity gave lower variability in the high concentric velocity region of the maximum torque function compared to using dynamometer measurements alone. A weighted root mean square difference (RMSD) score function, that forced the majority (73 – 92%) of experimental data beneath the maximum torque function, was found to best account for the one-sided noise in experimental torques resulting from sub-maximal effort by the participants. The suggested protocol (an appropriately weighted RMSD score function and an independent estimate of maximum knee extension angular velocity) gave a weighted RMSD of between 11 and 13 Nm (4 − 5% of maximum isometric torque). It is recommended that this protocol be used in generating maximum voluntary joint torque functions in all torque-based modelling of dynamic human movement.

History

School

  • Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Citation

FORRESTER, S.E. ... et al, 2011. Comparing different approaches for determining joint torque parameters from isovelocity dynamometer measurements. Journal of Biomechanics, 44 (5), pp. 955-961.

Publisher

© Elsevier

Version

  • AM (Accepted Manuscript)

Publication date

2011

ISSN

0021-9290

Language

  • en