Warren, B. L., Moody, S., & Malikie, D. (2009). Effect of variable repetitions on peak torque in male and female athletes. ACSM 56th Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington. Presentation number 2766.

This study measured peak torque in both males (N = 15) and females (N = 15) when using five different velocities and four different repetition sets. It examined the effects of using variable repetitions on peak torque production. Ss with no known knee injuries were tested on a Cybex NORM isokinetic machine performing maximal knee extensions with knee flexions held constant at 300 deg/sec. Each S was tested five or six times (one or two familiarization and four experimental sessions) at velocities of 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 deg/sec. The variable repetitions of four, six, eight, or ten were randomly assigned.

There were no significant differences in peak torque in either male or female athletes when using a variable number of repetitions. Females were much more consistent in peak torque production at each velocity than their male counterparts, regardless of the number of repetitions. Males in four of the five velocities produced the greatest peak torque when performing four repetitions. Females tended to produce greater peak torques when they executed eight or ten repetitions. As expected, there were significant differences in peak torque based on velocity and gender.

Implication. When assessing peak torque it appears that females need more repetitions while males need fewer. This would seem to be an important consideration in rehabilitation protocols and research investigations.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.