Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
Neuromuscular assessments are widely used in exercise science however; the reliability of comprehensive functional testing batteries in healthy young adults remains unclear. Since sex and hormone status may influence performance, this study proposes that neuromuscular outcomes will differ across males, naturally cycling females, and hormonal contraceptive users. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and test-retest reliability of a neuromuscular assessment battery in adults aged 18–35 using a repeated-measures design. Participants will complete two identical testing sessions separated by 5–10 days. Assessments will include balance on force plates, handgrip strength, a 5-repetition chair-rise, and the 3-meter Timed Up-and-Go, alongside neuromuscular performance measures such as the isometric mid-thigh pull and isometric and isokinetic knee extension using a dynamometer. Standardized procedures, including warm-ups, joint positioning, and verbal cues, will be replicated across sessions. The goal of this research is to establish reliable protocols and identify potential performance differences across groups, informing future investigations of neuromuscular function in aging populations, particularly during the menopausal transition.
Research Highlights
-
The Problem: Researchers lack established reliability and feasibility data for comprehensive neuromuscular and balance testing batteries in healthy young adults, which is a necessary prerequisite for applying these assessments to clinical or aging populations.
-
The Method: The study utilizes a test-retest protocol involving two laboratory visits separated by 5–10 days to evaluate a testing battery including DEXA body composition scans, force-plate balance testing, handgrip strength, isometric mid-thigh pulls (IMTP), and both isometric and isokinetic knee extensions.
-
Quantitative Finding: The testing battery is assessed across three distinct groups including males, naturally cycling females, and females using hormonal birth control; statistical significance is set at a=0.05 using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to interpret reliability as poor (<0.50), moderate (0.50–0.75), good (0.75–0.90), or excellent (>0.90).
-
Finding: This pilot study at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, aims to provide a methodological framework for future research into neuromuscular aging and the impact of hormonal fluctuations on physical capacity in more vulnerable populations.
Recommended Citation
Fritzsche, Riley; Johnson, Nicole Waldo; and Moon, Jessica M., "Neuromuscular Function and Balance in Young Adults: Feasibility and Reliability of Strength and Conditioning Assessments" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 12.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/Posters/1/12
Included in
Neuromuscular Function and Balance in Young Adults: Feasibility and Reliability of Strength and Conditioning Assessments
Neuromuscular assessments are widely used in exercise science however; the reliability of comprehensive functional testing batteries in healthy young adults remains unclear. Since sex and hormone status may influence performance, this study proposes that neuromuscular outcomes will differ across males, naturally cycling females, and hormonal contraceptive users. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and test-retest reliability of a neuromuscular assessment battery in adults aged 18–35 using a repeated-measures design. Participants will complete two identical testing sessions separated by 5–10 days. Assessments will include balance on force plates, handgrip strength, a 5-repetition chair-rise, and the 3-meter Timed Up-and-Go, alongside neuromuscular performance measures such as the isometric mid-thigh pull and isometric and isokinetic knee extension using a dynamometer. Standardized procedures, including warm-ups, joint positioning, and verbal cues, will be replicated across sessions. The goal of this research is to establish reliable protocols and identify potential performance differences across groups, informing future investigations of neuromuscular function in aging populations, particularly during the menopausal transition.