Isokinetic strength testing is a specific form of strength testing used to measure the strength and endurance of a muscle or group of muscles. These tests are often used on the knee, but also on the shoulder and back.
Isokinetic testing measures the strength of a muscle or group of muscles at a constant speed. This means that the speed of movement remains constant during the test, regardless of how much force the patient uses. This is in contrast to dynamometric testing, where the speed of movement varies depending on the amount of force the patient uses.
There are different types of isokinetic tests, such as concentric and eccentric tests. Concentric tests measure the strength of a muscle or group of muscles during a contractive movement, such as lifting a weight. Eccentric tests measure the strength of a muscle or group of muscles during a stretching movement, such as pushing off a weight.
At Fysioplein we use the cybex. Cybex is a brand of isokinetic testing and training equipment used in fysiotherapy and sports medicine clinics. The Cybex equipment is specifically designed to test and train the knee, shoulder and back. We make extensive use of the cybex in the treatment and rehabilitation of knee, shoulder and back injuries and conditions.
The test results are often used to help patients create an exercise program, or to measure the progression of an exercise program. Isokinetic testing is also useful for determining the strength balance between different muscles or groups of muscles and can be used to diagnose injuries or conditions.
Knee:
An isokinetic strength test of the knee can also be useful in rehabilitation after knee surgery such as a knee prosthesis or knee ligament repair. This can help evaluate the strength and endurance of the knee and develop an appropriate exercise program. It can also be used to monitor the patient's progress and make adjustments to the exercise program.
Shoulder:
The Cybex equipment can be used to evaluate the strength of specific muscles such as the rotator cuff and compare it to the strength of the other muscles around the shoulder. It can also be used to monitor the patient's progress and make adjustments to the exercise program. For example, it can help improve shoulder strength and restore mobility after an injury or surgery.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder stable and the arm moving. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. Together these muscles enclose the shoulder head and form a cap that holds the shoulder head in the glenoid fossa.
One of the most common rotator cuff injuries is a tear in one or more of these tendons or muscles. This can lead to pain, weakness and limited mobility of the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries often occur in people who use their arms a lot, such as athletes and people who do physically demanding work.
The treatment for a rotator cuff injury can range from conservative, such as: fysiotherapy and exercise therapy, up to surgery. Fysiotherapy and exercise therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve mobility. In cases where the tear is severe, surgery may be necessary to repair the tendons or muscles.
It is important to know that a rotator cuff injury does not always cause pain, sometimes it can only lead to reduced strength and this strength can be measured with a cybex.
