Assessment of Isometric and Isokinetic Ankle Strength Measures: A Pilot Study

Objective To evaluate isometric and isokinetic ankle strength in of dorsiflexion (DF), plantar flexion (PF), inversion (INV), and eversion (EVE) in healthy individuals. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals aged 18 to 60 years, of both sexes. The Lafayette® isometric manual dynamometer was used to evaluate isometric strength, the Humac Norm® isokinetic dynamometer to evaluate isokinetic strength, and the IPAQ questionnaire (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) for the level of physical activity. Statistical analysis compared sex, dominance, and physical activity level with isometric and isokinetic strengths using the Spearman coefficient and the Mann-Whitney test. Results There was a difference between genders for dominant and non-dominant limbs in isokinetic strength and not in isometric strength. There was a difference between isokinetic strength variables and physical activity levels. The isokinetic strength of dominant PF (p=0.0153), non-dominant (p=0.0287), and non-dominant INV (p=0.0183) demonstrated that very active individuals have a higher torque peak than irregularly active and sedentary individuals. Conclusion The results demonstrated greater isokinetic strength in men than in women and active individuals compared to sedentary ones. However, it was not possible to establish an association between isometric and isokinetic ankle measurements. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-Sectional Study.