Evaluation of anaerobic performance capacity by the isokinetic Ariel computerized exercise system-reliability and validity.

The present study examines the reproducibility and validity of computerized muscle strength and endurance evaluation protocols using the Ariel Computerized Exercise System (ACE). Since the ACE has only recently become commercially available, there are no published normative data for various exercises, nor are the measurements' accuracy and validity for the various exercise protocols documented. Twenty males (17 to 30 years old) performed a set of isokinetic maximal leg and arm exercises on the ACE Multi Function Unit twice on 2 separate days. Test-retest correlation coefficient ranged from 0.44 (bench press) to 0.91 (bench pull and leg extension flexion). Thirty additional male subjects (16 to 31 years old) performed, on 2 separate days, the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) (leg), and various force and endurance leg exercises (squat) on the ACE. Correlation coefficients of the various performance indices between the 2 test systems ranged from -0.02 to 0.23. The results obtained on the ACE indicate moderate to high reproducibility and low concurrent validity with WAnT.