Isometric and isokinetic endurance testing of the forearm complex.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of isometric and isokinetic endurance of the forearm complex under maximum effort in a healthy population. Isometric and isokinetic endurance measurements of elbow flexion and extension of the dominant and nondominant sides were made in 32 healthy male subjects (age range, 21 to 39 years). Both fatigue rates and the amount of time elapsed in reaching fatigue were determined. Analysis of these data reveals that 1) isometric endurance of the forearm complex cannot be used as a predictor of isokinetic endurance, as there is no relationship between the two, 2) dominant and non-dominant endurance are related, a result that supports the belief that in the assessment of the endurance of a single diseased upper extremity, the best available comparison is with the contralateral healthy extremity, and 3) healthy males in the age range tested have greater endurance in elbow extension than in flexion.