IS THERE ANY EFFECT OF NON-SUITABLE PULL TECHNIQUE IN BACK & LEG DYNAMOMETERS ON THE LEG STRENGTH TEST RESULTS?

Abstract

Introduction: Dynamometers are valid and reliable test instruments that have been used for many years to measure strength. However, there are excessive differences in leg strength scores in different studies with similar groups. This situation suggests a non-conformity to testing procedures occurred during the practice of the tests. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of non-suitable pulling technique on the leg strength test results.

Materials and methods: A total of 127 healthy subjects (24 female athletes and 41 male athletes, 22 sedentary females and 40 sedentary males) were included in the study. A back & leg Dynamometer was used to determine the leg strength of the participants. The participants pulled up the dynamometer's grab handle with and without contact with their upper leg.

Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference (p=0.000) between contacted and non-contact pulling trials of all participants. The percentage difference of leg strength between contacted and non-contact pull was 51.69% (43.25 kg) for female athletes, 54.78 (73.46 kg) for male athletes, 56.31% (37.52 kg) for sedentary females, and 50.69% (65.55 kg) for sedentary males.

Conclusion: There were significant differences between contacted and non-contact pull trials. It was determined that during the pulling phase if the dynamometer's grab-handle contacted the upper leg of a subject, the strength measurement’s score increased considerably. In this case, it can be said that non-suitable pulling technique in the "back & leg dynamometers" affects the leg strength test scores.