Objective
To investigate the optimal number of repetition trials and to evaluate the test-retest reliability of passive knee joint position sense test. Method: Thirty healthy subjects were tested with isokinetic machine. The knee joints were placed in starting angle of 0^o for flexion test and 90^o for extension test. To memorize the target angle, the knees were passively positioned to the target angle (30^o in flexion test and 60^o in extension test) and left hold for 10 seconds, and returned to starting position. After these processes, knee joints were passively moved toward target angles. The subjects were instructed to press button when the memorized angles were estimated to be reproduced. The tests were performed 6 times for each test angle. After 48 hours, the tests were repeated. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated with the values of test and retest. Results: There were no significant differences in absolute angular errors (AAE) between dominant and non-dominant side. The ICC value of above five repetitions of test showed excellent reliability (0.807) whereas three and four repetitions showed moderate reliabilities (0.536∼0.709). Conclusion: From the results of this study, we suggest that five repetitions of test could be appropriate for the passive joint position sense test. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2010; 34: 560-564)

Objective
To establish appropriate test angle of passive knee proprioception test and to compare with active knee proprioception test. Method: Thirty one healthy volunteers were tested in seated position on isokinetic machine. For passive test, the knee joints were placed in starting angle of 0^o, 30^o in flexion test and 90^o, 60^o in extension test. To memorize target angle, they were passively positioned to the target angle and left hold for 10 seconds, and returned to starting position. After these processes, knee joints were passively moved toward flexion and extension target angle. The subjects were instructed to press stop button when the memorized angles were reproduced. The tests were performed 3 times for each 6 different test angle. The active test were performed with the same memorized process but the subjects moved actively to reproduce target angles. The absolute angular errors (AAE) between target angle and produced angle were measured and compared. Results: In passive proprioception test, the AAEs were increased according to the test angle differences were increased from 30^o to 60^o. In the same target angle difference, there were no differences between starting positions. When the results of passive test were compared with active test, there were no significant differences in the flexion test, but larger angular error were measured in extension test. Conclusion: The passive knee proprioception test could be useful for patients with lower extremity weakness. Considering the possible error of large angular difference, the testing angular differences should be properly selected. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2009; 33: 698-703)