Measurement of Isokinetic Strength of Trunk Flexor and Extensor Muscles by a Cybex Back Systems Truunk Extension Flexion Rehabilitation Unit in Normal Subjects

The purpose of this article is to determine the strength of trunk flexor and extensor muscles at several isokinetic test speeds (60deg/sec, 120deg/sec, 150deg/sec) in normal subjects by using the Cybex TEF unit (Back Systems Trunk Extension/Flexion Rehabilitation Unit).Ninety-five subjects (56 males and 39 females) with ages ranging from 14 to 71 years (mean: 35.5 years) were tested.There were many differences in peak torque and total work between males and females. Peak torque, total work and torque acceleration energy (TAE) in male subjects exceeded respective strengths for female subjects at all isokinetic speeds tested. Peak torque, total work and TAE gradually decreased in older subjects. Peak torque and total work decreased as isokinetic speed increased. Conversely TAE increased as isokinetic speed increased.