Effect of two different handgrip positions on elbow peak torque values

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using two different handgrip positions on the peak torque values of the elbow during flexion and extension and to establish normative concentric isokinetic values for elbow flexion, extension and the flexion / extension ratio at 60°/s. Four hundred and thirty-eight (n=438) healthy South African males, between the ages of 16 and 29 years were used as subjects. A Cybex 340 isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine concentric peak torque of the non-dominant elbow's flexion and extension, using two different handgrip positions. Using the anatomical zero (AZ) handgrip (Group A) resulted in a mean elbow flexion of 78% of body mass (BM) and an elbow extension torque of 67% BM, compared to 69% BM and 86% BM, respectively when using the 90° pronated handgrip (Group B). The flexion / extension ratio was 119% for the AZ handgrip and 82% for the 90° pronated handgrip position. Thus, significant differences were demonstrated at a 99.9% confidence level (p<0.001) between the two groups, when using these two handgrip positions. Additionally, normative absolute peak torque values (Nm) and weight-normalised normative torque values (% BM) for concentric isokinetic elbow flexion and extension were established. This may provide clinicians with applicable normative values for rehabilitation and sport science purposes.