NUMBER OF FAMILIARISATION SESSIONS REQUIRED FOR AN ISOKINETIC KNEE STRENGTH ASSESSMENT IN FEMALE VARSITY ATHLETES

Abstract

Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 5(2): 1-8, 2016 - The objective of this study was to determine the number of familiarisation sessions required for isokinetic knee extension and flexion in female varsity athletes. Thirty right footed dominance female varsity athletes (n=30; age: 21.73 ±0.22 years, body mass index (BMI): 22.58 ±0.52 kg/m2), with no history of knee injuries were recruited. The design started with either with the dominant or non-dominant limb, followed by the opposite limb. Four sets of isokinetic maximal voluntary contraction at 60 o/s were performed for each limb. The results showed that for knee extension regardless of which limb starts first is 2 sessions, however for knee flexion, 3 sessions is required for dominant limb while 2 for non-dominant. In addition, the presence of cross-education effect is observed for knee flexion from non-dominant to dominant limb, where the number of session was reduced from three to two. In conclusion, we propose that two sessions of familiarisation are required for female varsity athletes and should begin with the non-dominant limb followed by dominant limb.

Keywords: familiarisation, isokinetic knee extension and flexion, cross-education limb dominance