Isokinetic Testing in Sports

1. Isokinetic
testing in
Sports
Dr. Rajal Sukhiyaji

2.  Introduction
 Concept of isokinetics
 What is isokinetics?
 OKC and CKC
 Purposes of isokinetic testing
 Protocol of isokinetic testing
 Isokinetic data and analysis
 Advantages
 Limitation
 Contraindication

3.  “James Perrine” first introduced the concept of
Isokinetic exercise to the physical therapy
profession in the late 1960’s.
 Isokinetic means constant speed: “Iso” means
constant and “kinetic” means movement.

4. Concept of isokinetics
 Traditional weight lifting exercises - variable
speeds at a fixed resistance or weight.
 Isokinetic exercises - at a dynamic preset fixed
speed with resistance that is accommodating
throughout the range of motion.

5. What is Isokinetics??
 Fixed velocity – Ranging from 1 degree per
second to approximately 1000 degree per
second.
 Accommodating resistance
 Isokinetic dynamometers - used are Biodex,
Humac, Cybex, Kin-Com, Lido

6. OKC & CKC
 OKC - Open kinetic chain exercise in which the
distal component of the limb is not fixed or
weight bearing but free in space.
 CKC - Closed kinetic chain exercise in which
distal fixed end of the limb may be either
stationary or moveable

7. Rationale for incorporating OKC into
assessment and rehabilitation
 Isolated testing of specific muscle group
 Muscle groups away from specific site of injury
must be assessed
 CKC – not demonstrate true weakness
 Provide clinical control
 Normalize the motor control pattern
 Efficacy of rehabilitation

8.  Objectively assess
muscular performance.
 The Isokinetic device is
attached to a computer,
that assesses the torque
output of the muscles
being testing.

9.  Isokinetic testing allows for a variety of testing
protocols ranging from strength, strength ratios
between two muscle groups, power, and
endurance.
 Primary recommendation – perform velocity
spectrum testing

10.  To obtain objective records
 To screen athletes
 To establish a database
 To quantify objective information
 To obtain objective serial reassessment
 To develop normative data
 To correlate isokinetic torque curves with pathologic
condition
 To use the shape of the curve to individualize the
rehabilitation program.

11.  Educate the athlete
 Testing uninvolved side first
 Providing appropriate warm ups at each speed
 Verbal commands
 Use standardized protocol
 Calibrated equipment
 Proper stabilization

12. Isokinetic data and analysis
 Peak torque
 Angular position
 Acceleration
 Deceleration
 Load rang
 Torque – velocity relationship
 Average power
 Shape of the torque curves

13. Criteria for interpreting isokinetic
tests results
 Bilateral comparison
 Unilateral ratios
 Torque to body weight relationship
 Comparison to normative data

14.  Efficiency
 Safety
 Accommodating resistance
 Decreased joint compressive forces at
higher speeds
 Physiologic overflow through the
velocity spectrum
 Velocity spectrum training
 Minimal postexercise soreness with
concentric isokinetic contraction
 Computer feedback provided

15.  Large and expensive
 Set up time and assistance
required
 Isolated joint/muscle testing
 Non functional pattern of
movement
 Increased compressive
forces at slower speeds

16. Contraindication
 Soft tissue healing constraints
 Pain
 Limited ROM
 Effusion
 Joint instability
 Acute strains and sprains

17.  Physical rehabilitation of the
injured athlete, third edition,
James R. Andrews, M.D., et al.
 Isokinetic Dynamometry
Applications and Limitations, V.
Baltzopoulos and D.A . Brodie
 Isokinetics in Human
Performance, By Lee E. Brown
 Isokinetic Exercise, By Robert
Donatelli, PhD, PT, Sportsmd
health and performance