Approximate entropy based on attempted steady isometric contractions with the ankle dorsal- and plantarflexors: Reliability and optimal sampling frequency

The aim of this study was to (1) examine the test-retest reliability of approximate entropy (ApEn) calculated for torque time-series from attempted steady isometric contractions performed at two different days, and (2) examine the significance of the sampling frequency for the ApEn values. Eighteen healthy young subjects (13+/-3 years, mean+/-1 S.D.) performed attempted steady isometric submaximal contractions with the ankle dorsal- and plantarflexors at two different days. Relative (ICC(3.1)) and absolute (standard error of measurement [S.E.M.], and S.E.M.%) test-retest reliability was assessed for the ApEn values calculated for torque time-series down-sampled to 30 and 100Hz, respectively. The relative reliability was generally moderate (0.360