Comparison of Peak Torque Values of the Knee Flexor and Extensor Muscle Groups Using the Cybex II®and Lido 2.0®Isokinetic Dynamometers

There have been numerous studies that have measured quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic torque values using the Cybex® II dynamometer. Recently, another isokinetic device has been introduced called the Lido® 2. Since there is a lack of comparative data between the Lido and the widely used Cybex, the following study was conducted. Peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscle groups during maximal voluntary contraction was measured using both the Cybex and Lido dynamometers. The subject population included 10 males and 11 females who ranged in age from 22–53 years of age. Peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings of both dominant and nondominant leg was measured at 60, 120, and 240 °/sec. Quadriceps peak torque values of the dominant and nondominant leg recorded with the Cybex were consistently greater than the respective values recorded with the Lido at each of the three test speeds. In contrast, hamstring values recorded with the Lido were consistently greater than those recorded with the Cybex. The hamstrings to quadriceps torque ratio of the dominant and nondominant legs were significantly (p < 0.05) less when measured with the Cybex than those measured with the Lido. Reliability of repeated effort was greater with the Cybex (r = 0.90) than the Lido (r = 0.85). Because of the dissimilarities between values recorded with the two types of dynamometers, caution should be taken when extrapolating data from one machine to the other.