Peak torque and knee kinematics during gait after eccentric isokinetic training of quadriceps in healthy subjects

Objective: To evaluate the effects of eccentric isokinetic training on knee range of motion (ROM) of healthy subjects. Methods: The knee extensor and flexor isokinetic peak torques and ROM of flexion/extension and varus/valgus knee movements during gait of 18 healthy men (21.7 +/- 2.2 years; 1.73 +/- 0.10m; 68.7 +/- 9.4kg; body mass index: 22.6 +/- 2 kg/m(2)) were analyzed, before and after six weeks of bilateral eccentric isokinetic training of the knee extensors at 30 degrees/s. Results: The knee extensor torque increased in both limbs (right, from 229 +/- 54 to 304 +/- 53Nm; p<0.01; and left, from 228 +/- 59 to 311 +/- 63Nm; p<0.01), without any difference in torque gain between them. The knee flexor peak torque increased (from 114 +/- 30 to 123 +/- 22Nm; p<0.05), but the hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio decreased (from 0.5 +/- 0.08 to 0.39 +/- 0.07; p