These movements can be performed in either the standing, seated (most popular and easily stabilized) or lying position. In any position the alignment of the instantaneous axis of rotation should be a point roughly 1 cm above the lateral epicondyle.
Standing
In the standing position stabilization is difficult if not impossible (and probably undesirable). Testing in this position is more functional than that in the seated position.
Seated
There are two main positions used when seated, the first involves a neutral upper arm position as can be seen below. Alignment is the same as that for the standing position (and can be seen as the red line) but stabilization usually involves thoracic strapping and may also necessitate the use of a further elbow strap to prevent abduction (see second picture) of the upper arm. A forearm pad eliminates the influence of the wrist flexors and extensors but a hand grip is usually more comfortable. Although this position is not as functional it is used during testing and for research purposes.
The second position involves flexing the upper arm to 90 degrees and has been used in research as stabilization of the shoulder is easier and the movement is not gravity dependent.
Lying
This was the original position of choice for research as the shoulder could be more easily stabilized (by leaning on it very hard) however it is less popular with recent improvements in thorasic strapping (they now pass over the shoulder on new machines)
As velocities in some sports (any involving throwing an object) are known to reach thousands of degrees/second (Pappas et al., 1985) testing using a dynamometer will never be considered to be functional. Even if this speed could be achieved it is over such a small arc that the results gained would be fruitless. Generally it is accepted that 30 degrees/second is a slow speed whilst speeds over 300 degrees/second can be difficult to achieve. A maximum speed of 210 degrees per second is recommended.
Range of Motion
The angle of peak torque for the flexors and extensors has been shown (Knapik et al 1983 and Gallagher et al 1997) to be at 90 degrees of flexion. An appropriate range of motion at the elbow would be between 20 degrees and 120 degrees. Avoiding full extension or flexion is appropriate for peak and endurance testing but for sports specific tests an unlimited range of motion would allow a fuller examination of the concentric/eccentric ratios. Further, a limited range of motion at the beginning or end of range may be appropriate if acceleration and deceleration characteristics are of interest. However, the closer to the end of range the test becomes the more dangerous it becomes leaving the subject more prone to injury.
Normal Strength Values Are Here
