Standardizing Reporting Practices for Isokinetic Testing: a Delphi Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Delphi method survey.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Developing a Consensus Framework to Standardize Isokinetic Testing Data Reporting. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
Isokinetic testing plays a crucial role in research and clinical practice, particularly for evaluating muscle strength, functional performance, and imbalances between muscle groups in fields such as rehabilitation, sports medicine, and orthopedics. Despite its widespread use, there is no international consensus on how to standardize protocols or report results, leading to significant variability in methodologies, measurement parameters, and data presentation. This Delphi method study aims to develop a consensus framework for standardizing the reporting of isokinetic testing data, ensuring consistency and comparability in research and clinical practices.
Detailed description
Isokinetic tests are widely used in research and clinical practice to evaluate muscle strength, imbalances between muscle groups, and functional performance. These assessments are particularly important in rehabilitation, sports medicine, and orthopedics. However, the diversity in testing protocols, measured parameters, and reporting methods creates significant challenges for the comparability and interpretation of results.
Currently, there is no international consensus on how to report isokinetic test results. Scientific publications and clinical reports vary greatly in methodologies, units of measurement, and presentation of findings. Additionally, there is considerable heterogeneity in how results are presented, particularly regarding essential elements that ensure methodological reproducibility. This variability complicates the synthesis of data across studies and limits their practical application. As a result, healthcare professionals and researchers struggle to compare results, replicate studies, or effectively use the data in clinical decision-making.
The need to standardize reporting practices for isokinetic tests is therefore clear. A standardized framework would harmonize reporting, facilitate comparisons between studies, support the evaluation of therapeutic interventions, and improve the monitoring of patients or athletes over time. It would also enhance transparency and scientific rigor, which are critical for advancing knowledge and improving care.
The Delphi method, used in this study, is particularly suited to addressing this issue. It relies on an iterative process to gather the opinions of a panel of experts and establish a consensus on specific recommendations. By involving experts from various fields (physicians, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and sport physiologists), this method ensures that the recommendations reflect a broad and balanced perspective. It also helps structure and prioritize key points, identifying essential elements for a standardized report.
The results of this study are expected to have several significant outcomes. First, they will provide a clear framework for standardizing the reporting of isokinetic tests, improving the quality and utility of the data reported. Second, this framework could be adopted internationally, fostering better collaboration between researchers and clinicians. Finally, it could serve as a foundation for developing official guidelines or recommendations, enhancing the validity and impact of isokinetic testing in clinical and scientific practices.
Interventions
- Other Delphi method survey
This intervention involves a Delphi method study, where a panel of experts in isokinetic testing will collaborate to reach a consensus on best practices for standardizing the reporting of isokinetic test data. Unlike other clinical studies, this intervention focuses on gathering expert opinions iteratively to establish a unified framework for data reporting, without direct clinical or experimental treatment. The process includes multiple rounds of feedback, refining key elements related to testi
Primary outcome measures
- Consensus on Key Elements for Standardized Reporting of Isokinetic Testing [Time frame: At the completion of the final Delphi round (approximately 6 months).]
Secondary outcome measures (8)
- Open Survey to Inform Delphi Rounds [Time frame: At the end of the first Delphi round (approximately 2 month)]
- Prioritization of Reporting Items [Time frame: During intermediate Delphi rounds (approximately 3-4 months).]
- Years of Professional Practice [Time frame: At the beginning of the Delphi process (baseline).]
- Academic Contributions [Time frame: At the beginning of the Delphi process (baseline).]
- Geographic Distribution of Expert Panel Participants [Time frame: At the beginning of the Delphi process (baseline).]
- Expert Panel Composition - gender [Time frame: At the beginning of the Delphi process (baseline).]
- Expert Panel Composition - country [Time frame: At the beginning of the Delphi process (baseline).]
- Expert Panel Composition - job [Time frame: At the beginning of the Delphi process (baseline).]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience in isokinetic testing, such as research, clinical practice, or equipment design.
- Clinicians, researchers, educators, or professionals with relevant expertise in rehabilitation, sports medicine, biomechanics, or related fields.
- At least 5 peer-reviewed publication (first author) or equivalent contribution in the field of isokinetic testing or related domains.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field.
- Agreement to participate in all Delphi rounds and provide informed consent.
- Ability to communicate and provide responses in the language used for the study (English).
Exclusion criteria
- Professionals with conflicts of interest that could bias their contributions, such as direct financial ties to specific isokinetic testing equipment manufacturers.
- Inability or unwillingness to commit to the iterative Delphi process, including providing timely responses to questionnaires.
- Accidental inclusion of an expert already represented in another capacity within the study (e.g., as a member of the organizing committee).
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Publications
- Schindler IFSR, Pontes SS, Bertoni MBM, Junior GF, Junior BRN, de Jesus FLA, Neto MG. A Systematic Review of Isokinetic Muscle Strength in a Healthy Population With Special Reference to Age and Gender. Sports Health. 2023 May;15(3):328-332. doi: 10.1177/19417381221146258. Epub 2023 Jan 16. PMID 36645122
- Wilk KE, Arrigo CA, Davies GJ. Isokinetic Testing: Why it is More Important Today than Ever. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2024 Apr 1;19(4):374-380. doi: 10.26603/001c.95038. eCollection 2024. PMID 38576833
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06733116 · Delph-iso