Deficits in strength have been associated with reduced performance, altered movement patterns, and increased injury risk in a variety of populations. As a result, profiling and monitoring neuromuscular strength is commonplace in elite sport performance. While this objectivity has the potential to provide ongoing learnings and improved athlete care, it is important to ensure an understanding of the accuracy of data so that changes not inside the measurement error range and/or standard clinical variation are interpreted appropriately.
As an example, KT360 has a Minimal Detectible Change (MDC) value for knee flexion testing of 7%. Therefore, an athlete with a baseline knee flexion strength of 500N, who fails to test > 465N by day 3 post AFL game would be flagged for further clinical review. If the KT360 MDC value was 14%, this threshold for review based on monitoring could only confidently be placed at 430N.
A growing number of elite sport medical and performance teams are using KT360 to profile athletes and to monitor changes in neuromuscular strength as an indicator of athlete musculoskeletal health, recovery and readiness to play. KT360 provides the ability to accurately measure and monitor strength specific to a sport and/or an individual athlete’s needs.
In short, they are doing this primarily for 2 reasons. First, to understand what strength deficits may limit performance or increase injury risk. Second, to monitor changes in strength or musculoskeletal health over time to better manage player loads and direct prescribed training interventions. Consistently accurate data ensures that they can make better, more informed clinical decisions.
KT360 is comprised of a counterweighted, fixed metal frame with sufficient stiffness to minimize force attenuation, 7 x load cells with both push and pull functionality and up to 200kg load capacity. Pin free height and angle adjustment allows for greater efficiency in moving through testing and training and movable matting and additional padding provides superior athlete comfort. There are over 48 carefully designed best practice protocols within the software giving practitioners the ability to test a range of modifiable risk factors across the whole body quickly, effectively and with ease.
The below table below details the reliability of the KT sensors and the error involved in measurement. These data provided through independent research at Vic Uni.
The below table describes the ICC and MDC values for testing two commonly used hip strength and the knee
flexion strength measures reported from a European soccer team.
KT360 is highly accurate and reliable with automated reporting systems that aid athlete management - saving staff and athletes time, while facilitating better decision making.
T o find out more about how KT360 can help you make more informed clinical decisions for your athletes, complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch