Isokinetic profile of the wrist flexors and extensors in young women and men

Background Isokinetic studies of wrist flexion and extension (WFE) have been conducted mostly in the concentric mode. However, the eccentric counterpart is of specific importance in strength profiling while both modes are differently expressed in women and men. Objective to characterize the isokinetic concentric and eccentric isokinetic strength of the dominant side WFE, in a group of healthy young women and men and explore their respective internal and external relationships. Methods 20 women and 20 men were tested while standing with forearm in neutral position, using a RoM of 60° and a speed of 120°/s for both contraction modes. Isometric grip strength was measured using a standard apparatus. Results Men were significantly stronger than women, the flexors significantly stronger than the extensors and the eccentric strength significantly higher than its concentric counterpart. A correlation matrix based on the concentric and eccentric peak moments of the WFE revealed that men had significantly higher correlation coefficients compared to women. Conclusions While supporting the efficiency of the test position, the significant sex-related difference in the strength correlations pattern may reflect an acquired-adaptive trait but this assumption requires further research.