Pooled reference data for Korean adults are limited, and Western norms may not be applicable because of ethnic differences.This study aimed to describe sex-and age-specific distributions of knee isokinetic peak torque normalized to body weight in healthy Korean adults.METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, RISS, and KISS were searched for articles published between 1990 and 2023 using combinations of the terms "isokinetic," "muscle strength," "muscle function," and "Korean."Studies were eligible if they assessed knee isokinetic strength in healthy Korean adults using Cybex or HUMAC NORM.Weighted means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for peak torque at 60/s (% body weight BW) were calculated based on sample size. RESULTS:Thirteen studies (n =426; 245 men, 181 women) were included.In men, left knee extensor peak torque decreased from 267.5 %BW (95% CI 260.7-274.3) in those aged 20-29 years to 143.3 %BW (130.6-155.9) in those aged >60 years.In women, left knee extensor peak torque declined from ) in adults aged 20-29 years to 86.7 %BW (78.7-94.6) in those aged >60 years.Flexor strength showed similar age-related declines, and men consistently exhibited higher peak torque than women. CONCLUSIONS:This study provides the first combined descriptive estimates for knee isokinetic strength in Korean adults.These values may serve as preliminary reference information for clinical assessment and exercise prescription.Results should be interpreted with caution owing to limited sample sizes in some subgroups.Large, standardized, population-based studies are needed to refine these reference standards.
Kim et al. (Fri,) studied this question.