At KangaTech we are always updating our offerings on the KT360 in order to improve customer experience. Consistent with this we have added three new testing and training protocols.
The addition of Hip Adduction 0 Short Lever, Knee Extension 15, and Knee Flexion Seated Outer Range H90/ K30 combines the latest research and practice trends to offer our customers a wider range of testing and training protocols to further improve user insights. These protocols facilitate and extend baseline screening, weekly monitoring, and training, allowing a deeper dive into potential neuromuscular deficits that may limit performance and/or increase injury risk.
Research has shown that deficits in isometric hamstring strength between injured and uninjured limbs are evident in the outer range, when testing is performed, for example, in sitting with the hip flexed at 90 degrees and knee flexed at 30 degrees (Nara et al 2022). Importantly, these deficits are evident after athletes have returned to full training and competition for extended periods, highlighting that return to play and training loads alone do not ensure the return of neuromuscular function/strength.
Testing and subsequent training with the new knee flexion protocol may highlight and resolve deficits in strength critical to restoring function and minimizing re-injury risk. Training in a more elongated position may also better elicit architectural changes (increased hypertrophy and fascicle length) associated with higher levels of performance and decreased injury risk.
Hip Adduction 0 Short Lever allows the practitioner interested in testing groin strength in zero degrees of hip flexion without valgus knee stress.
Knee Extension 15 has become a commonly used position by clinicians and researchers testing and monitoring daily or weekly changes in knee extensor torque and associated patellofemoral or patella tendon pain. This protocol has been added accordingly.
KangaTech customers can find these protocols on KT Software and on the User Guide.