NORMATIVE ISOKINETIC DATA OF TRUNK MUSCLES PERFORMANCE IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The Purpose: of this study was to provide physical therapy field with normative objective data of abdominal and back muscles performance in adolescents who are typically developing, ad to establish reference data of isokinetic measurement of both muscles. Subjects and method: two • hundred adolescents (100 males and 100 females), from 15 to 18 years old were participated in this study. They were classified into eight groups of equal number and were assessed using Biodex system 3 Pro isokinetic dynamometer to measure the peak torque, work, power, abdominal to back muscle ratio in concentric mode at two angular velocities (60 and 180°/sec) and peak torque in isometric mode at upright position. Results: The study revealed that the back muscle produces a greater torque than the abdominal muscle at each of the two test velocity. A significant difference demonstrated between the two speeds; at the higher velocity, peak torque of abdominal ms. increased significantly, while peak torque of back ms. decreased significantly during concentric contractions. There was significant difference between males and females trunk muscles performance in concentric mode of test in favor to males. There was significant difference between males and females trunk muscles performance in isometric mode of test in favor to males. Abdominal to back torque ratios increased significantly at the higher speed during concentric activity. Conclusion: On basis of the present data, it is possible to conclude that there was significant increase in peak torque with decreasing angular velocity. Males have greater muscle performance either in concentric or isometric mode than females' adolescents.