Comparative Analysis of Bilateral Deficits in Elbow Flexion Strength: Functional vs. Analytical Assessment

Abstract

Background: this study aimed to identify the influence of postural stability on upperlimb bilateral deficit (BLD), and to compare the assessment of strength generated during elbow flexion functionally vs. analytically in the dominant and nondominant arms. Methods: Twenty men participated in two sessions to evaluate the maximum isometric strength of elbow flexion. This evaluation was performed unilaterally with the dominant arm, unilaterally with the non-dominant arm, and bilaterally, both in the sitting position (SiP) and the standing position (StP). Results: The BLD when peak force was considered was lower for StP (−6.44 ± 5.58%) compared to SiP (−10.73 ± 6.17%) (p = 0.007). Regarding peak force, statistically significant differences were observed for comparisons between dominance (p < 0.001) and Position*Dominance (p = 0.02), but mean force differences were only observed for the dominance factor (p < 0.001). Greater mean and peak forces were always produced bilaterally compared to unilaterally (p < 0.001). Conclusions: a decrease in postural stability by performing elbow flexion exercises in a standing position accentuates BLD of peak force.