Anna Gabriel a1, Dominic Michael Rasp b1, Andreas Konrad c, Thomas Horstmann a, Florian Kurt Paternoster b
a Professorship for Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
b Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germanyc
c Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
1 These authors contributed equally
Abstract
Objectives
Comparison of three performance tests evaluating the posterior chain and evaluation whether they can be used interchangeably: Isokinetic single joint hamstring strength at 60°/s, Bunkie Test, and standing 90:20 Isometric Posterior Chain Test (IPCT).
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Participants
29 (16 females; 13 males) healthy participants (age: 25.7 ± 5.5 years; weight: 70.5 ± 14 kg; height: 174 ± 8.4 cm).
Main outcome measures
Strength/performance of hamstrings/posterior chain.
Results
Although all three tests measure the performance of muscles/structures of the posterior chain, they differ regarding validity, reliability and objectivity, as well as cost- and time-effectiveness. In terms of strength of the posterior chain, the IPCT delivers high agreement with isokinetic measurements of hamstring strength. The Bunkie Test, however, does not show any interaction with either isokinetic measurements or the IPCT. Neither of the test comparisons show any agreement in the detection of limb-asymmetries.
Conclusion
In terms of strength measurement of the hamstrings, the IPCT can be used as an alternative to isokinetic measurements. Limb asymmetries should not be assessed with either the IPCT or the Bunkie Test when focusing on bare knee flexion strength. The aforementioned tests cannot – or only partially – be used interchangeably and should instead be used in addition to each other.
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