Is it possible to establish reference values for ankle muscle isokinetic strength? A meta-analytical study

BACKGROUND: The importance of measuring ankle muscle strength (AMS) has been demonstrated in a variety of clinical areas. Much data has been accumulated using the Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer but a uniform framework does not exist. OBJECTIVE: To identify pertinent studies which have used the Cybex Norm to measure AMS in order to establish reference values. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was used to identify papers that have used the Cybex Norm to measure isokinetic concentric and eccentric AMS. RESULTS: Fifty five research papers were identified but each study used a different isokinetic protocol. CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to produce AMS reference values due to the wide variation in data collection methods. This is therefore an area of research that needs further exploration.