2.9. Strength Testing
Unilateral isokinetic concentric leg strength was assessed for the dominant leg using the BIODEX Multi-Joint System 4 Pro (Biodex Medical Systems, New York, NY, USA). Knee extension and flexion as well as ankle plantar- and dorsi-flexion were tested for peak torque (PT) and total work (TW). Subjects were seated with chair and dynamometer position at 90° and the dynamometer positioned outside the testing leg. The anatomical axis rotation (lateral femoral condyle on a sagittal plane for the knee and through the body of talus, fibular malleolus, and tibial malleolus for the ankle) was in alignment with the dynamometer shaft for both knee and ankle attachment, ensuring that the testing pattern was consistent with the proper biomechanics of the joint. Body parts on either side of the tested joint were firmly secured with straps, in order to restrict motion as much as possible to the area of interest. Range of motion was set for each subject and joint individually. After a 12-repetition warm-up trial at 180°/s and low effort, participants performed two sets of 5 repetitions at 60°/s and maximal effort with a 60 s break between sets.