Since isokinetic exercise equipment can give an evaluation of muscle strength with great accuracy and objectivity, it is more widely used as the one of the important methods in rehabilitation medicine, orthopaedics and sports medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the normative strength values and endurance ratios for elbow extensors and flexors to provide a guideline for rehabilitation of patients.

The isokinetic evaluation of elbow extensors and flexors by using the cybex Ⅱ⁺ Dynamometer at the speed of 60°/sec and 180°/sec was performed on 20 males and 20 females in 3rd decade. All subjects were right-handed.

The results were as follows;

1) The mean peak torque of elbow extensors at 60°/sec speed were 23.9 ft-lbs in male. 13.0 ft-lbs in female and at 180°/sec speed, 17.5 ft-lbs in male, 8.2 ft-lbs in female. Also the mean peak torque of elbow flexors at 60°/sec speed were 27.1 ft-lbs in male, 12.5 ft-lbs in female, at 180°/sec speed were 19.1 ft-lbs in male, 7.3 ft-lbs in female.

2) The peak torque of male were significantly greater than female at each test speed and in elbow extensors and flexors.

3) The faster the velocity of isokinetic test, the smaller the peak torque of elbow flexors and extensors were.

4) The significant difference in strength was found in the dominant side compared to the non-dominant side.

5) The ratio between the peak torque of elbow extensor to flexor were significantly increased as the test speed increased. Also those in female were greater than male.

6) The mean encurance ratio of elbow extensors were 64.7% in male, 54.5% in female, and those of elbow flexors were 54.8%, 40.4%. It was generally more than 50% except flexors in female.

7) The mean total work and average power of both muscles showed significant differences in male and extensors respectively.