Redundancy and predictive value of isokinetic knee fatigability parameters in healthy males: A cross-sectional study from sedentary to elite athletes

Paulus, Julien; Schwartz, Cédric; Croisier, Jean-Louis

doi:10.1177/09593020261469172

Article (Scientific journals)

Redundancy and predictive value of isokinetic knee fatigability parameters in healthy males: A cross-sectional study from sedentary to elite athletes

Paulus, Julien; Schwartz, Cédric; Croisier, Jean-Louis

2026 • In Isokinetics and Exercise Science

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/349574

DOI
10.1177/09593020261469172

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Keywords :

Isokinetic dynamometer; fatigability; fatigability resistance evaluation protocol; transposition formulas; fatigue index; derived and measured parameters; knee joint; performance assessment

Abstract :

[en] BACKGROUND: Isokinetic dynamometry is widely used to assess muscle fatigability, particularly in athletes, due to its high reproducibility and sensitivity. However, the clinical and practical relevance of fatigability parameters remains debated, especially regarding their added value compared to simpler strength indicators.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the redundancy of measured knee extensor fatigability parameters, (2) the feasibility of predicting them from the best repetition (BR1), and (3) the relationship between initial strength and fatigability.Methods: 189 healthy male volunteers (sedentary to elite athletes) performed 30 maximal concentric knee flexions-extensions at 180°.s−1. Pearson correlations, linear regressions, and k-fold cross-validation (k = 10) assessed parameter relationships and derived predictive equations.Results: Very strong correlations (PCC > 0.80) linked BR1 to most fatigability parameters, indicating high redundancy. Predictive equations based on BR1 accurately estimated total/partial sums (R2 > 0.95, ICC > 0.90). Moreover, stronger individuals exhibited steeper performance declines (PCC < −0.80 between BR1 and slope of the regression of the performance).Conclusions: Fatigability parameters offer limited added value, as they are highly redundant with BR1. Simplified BR1-based protocols suffice for clinical use, while full isokinetic testing remains essential for elite athletes or (neuro)muscular pathology requiring precision.

Research Center/Unit :

MARU - Motion Analysis Research Unit - ULiège

Disciplines :

Orthopedics, rehabilitation & sports medicine

Author, co-author :

Paulus, Julien ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Motion analysis research unit (MARU)

Schwartz, Cédric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Motion analysis research unit (MARU)

Croisier, Jean-Louis ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des Sciences de l'activité physique et de la réadaptation > Kinésithérapie générale et réadaptation

Language :

English

Title :

Redundancy and predictive value of isokinetic knee fatigability parameters in healthy males: A cross-sectional study from sedentary to elite athletes

Publication date :

08 September 2026

Journal title :

Isokinetics and Exercise Science

ISSN :

0959-3020

Publisher :

SAGE Publications

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/09593020261469172

Available on ORBi :

since 11 October 2026

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