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Date Available

5-1-2026

Year of Publication

2026

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

Education

Department/School/Program

Exercise Science

Faculty

Jody Clasey

Faculty

Haley Bergstrom

Abstract

Muscle strength is an important component of physical fitness; however, measuring it with isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) is expensive and requires dedicated space. Handheld dynamometry (HHD) provides a practical alternative for field and clinical settings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare peak knee flexion and extension torque measured by IKD and HHD in 37 children (ages 5-11 years) and examine relationships with body composition. Participants completed a RAMPing protocol at 90o knee flexion consisting of two warm-up contractions at 50% and 75% effort followed by three maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Body composition was assessed via DXA scans. No significant differences were found between IKD and HHD for peak knee flexion torque, but significant differences were found between IKD and HHD for peak knee extension torque. IKD explained 51.8% and 70.9% of the variance in HHD peak knee flexion and extension torque, respectively. Significant relationships were seen between knee peak torque and total and regional mineral-free lean mass. HHD demonstrated a strong association to IKD and muscle strength was significantly related to body composition. HHD is considered a valid and reliable method for muscle strength testing in young children.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.231

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Funding Information

This study was supported by the University of Kentucky Pediatric Exercise Physiology Laboratory in 2025-2026.

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