Test-retest reliability of knee extensors endurance test with elastic resistance

PLoS One. 2018 Aug 31;13(8):e0203259. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203259. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Background: Reliable clinical tests capable of measuring resistance are important tools for rehabilitation. One alternative that has recently increased in popularity is the use of elastic tubes, which stand out for being easy to handle, low cost, practical, and feasible.

Objective: Analyze the test-retest reliability of the knee extensors muscle fatigue resistance test (FRT) with elastic tubes.

Methods: A total of 116 healthy young males, aged between 18 and 30 years old, participated in the study. Participants performed three pre-test stages: orientation, load presentation, and familiarization with equipment, lasting two weeks. Subsequently, they performed the FRT on two occasions (test and retest), with an interval of seven days. The reliability analyzes were performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval and typical measurement error (TME), also expressed as coefficient of variation (CV%).

Results: The findings regarding the reliability of the test demonstrated satisfactory values (time: ICC = 0.66; 95%CI [0.50; 0.76]; CV(%) = 9.34; repetition: ICC = 0.61; 95%CI [0.46; 0.73], CV(%) = 13.66; rhythm: ICC = 0.52; 95%CI [0.35; 0.67], CV(%) = 10.29.

Conclusion: From the findings presented, it is concluded that the proposed clinical test with elastic tubes demonstrates evidence of acceptable values.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Elasticity
  • Exercise Test*
  • Humans
  • Knee
  • Male
  • Muscle Fatigue*
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / physiology
  • Physical Endurance*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Resistance Training
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

During the development of the research the main author received financial assistance, in the form of a grant from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). The money received helped research expenses, which included logistics and purchase of necessary materials, such as elastic tubes. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.