Comparison of conventional resistance training and the fly-wheel ergometer for training the quadriceps muscle group in patients with unilateral knee injury

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2007 Dec;101(6):697-703. doi: 10.1007/s00421-007-0548-y. Epub 2007 Aug 24.

Abstract

A fly-wheel ergometer (FWE) offering resistance training of the knee extensors has been designed for space travel and found to be effective during bed rest. The possibility exists that this device is also effective in training the knee extensors after knee injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the FWE to standard knee extensor training equipment for their effects on individuals with a history of knee injury, a group who commonly suffer from weakness of the knee extensors that effects their function. Twenty-nine subjects completed the study, which included tests of knee self-assessment, knee extensor static and dynamic muscle strength, size and neural activation as well as single leg power output, standing balance and vertical jump performance. Both groups showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements in these variables over the 3-month training period but no differences were noted between the groups. The FWE appears to be as effective as standard resistance training equipment for improving knee extensor muscle group size and performance after knee injury.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Ergometry / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology
  • Knee Injuries / physiopathology
  • Knee Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Leg / anatomy & histology
  • Leg / diagnostic imaging
  • Leg / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Weight Lifting / physiology*