Date of Award

1999

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Renee Mabey

Keywords

Muscles -- physiology; Torque

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production in morning hours (AM) to maximal quadriceps torque production in afternoon hours (PM). Thirty healthy male subjects between the ages of 19 and 45 were tested during an AM and a PM session on the Kin-Com dynamometer. A trial of six concentric isokinetic contractions of the right quadriceps were tested at a speed of 60° Is. The maximal peak torque measurements were compared between the AM and the PM sessions to establish the accuracy of results taken at differing times of the day. No significant difference in strength assessment due to the time of day of assessment was found. The data collected in this study indicates that clinical assessments of maximal peak torque production can be achieved without bias to the time of day the exercise is performed.

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