Is it possible to establish reference values for ankle muscle strength? A meta-analytical study.

BACKGROUND: The importance of measuring ankle muscle strength (AMS) has been demonstrated in a variety of clinical
areas. Much data has been accumulated using the Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer but a uniform framework does not exist.
OBJECTIVE: To identify pertinent studies which have used the Cybex Norm to measure AMS in order to establish reference
values.
METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was used to identify papers that have used the Cybex Norm to measure isokinetic
concentric and eccentric AMS.
RESULTS: Fifty five research papers were identified but each study used a different isokinetic protocol.
CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to produce AMS reference values due to the wide variation in data collection methods. This
is therefore an area of research that needs further exploration