What is Peak Torque?
Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force, defined as force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation (τ = F × r). In dynamic isokinetic dynamometry, Peak Torque (PT) represents the absolute maximum torque generated by a muscle group during a single repetition, expressed in Newton-meters (Nm).
Normalisation: Peak Torque per Body Weight (Nm/kg)
Raw peak torque values favor heavier individuals due to greater muscle mass. To enable accurate cross-sectional comparisons between athletes, Peak Torque must be normalized to body mass:
Normalized PT (Nm/kg) = Peak Torque (Nm) / Body Mass (kg)
For example, a 100 kg rugby forward generating 300 Nm quadriceps peak torque has a normalized output of 3.0 Nm/kg, identical to a 70 kg sprinter generating 210 Nm.