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Isokinetic tests use computerized devices to evaluate muscle function and strength, often before and after surgery or to treat injuries. The tests are specific to certain muscle groups and may require quick and powerful movements for accurate results. A physical therapist can use the results to prescribe a rehabilitation program. The tests are generally accurate but may not be suitable for all applications.
Isokinetic tests often use a computerized device to examine individual muscle groups. Both function and strength can be evaluated with a dynamometric machine that probably works hydraulically or electromagnetically. The machine usually accommodates patients with limited ranges of motion and muscle weaknesses, though all participants are expected to do their best to receive accurate results. Based on the feedback from the machine, a physical therapist can prescribe a rehabilitation program to improve muscle and joint health. In general, isokinetic tests provide accurate data, although they may not be suitable for all applications.
The usual purpose of isokinetic testing is to evaluate muscle function during different exercise intervals. Patients may receive this test before and after surgery to evaluate the results of surgery, to measure joint arthritis complications, or to quantify physical impairments due to injury or disease. In turn, this test can also be used to exercise specific muscle groups for rehabilitation or strength building.
The isokinetic test usually evaluates a specific group of muscles, such as those in the shoulder or ankle. The patient’s movements often need to be as quick and powerful as possible to get accurate readings. These readings are usually delivered from a computer and can be auditory or visual. Visual feedback is likely to vary considerably between different machines, but many clinical professionals agree that results are generally an objective measure of strength deficits.
During the initial assessment, a physical therapist or trained technician often uses a tensile strength machine that applies continuous resistance to the muscles being tested. This machine is likely to be hydraulic or electromagnetic in nature to reduce joint impact. The dynamometer, often found within the head assembly of the machine, controls speed in response to patient effort. Variations in force output are thus accommodated, allowing an individual with limited range of motion or muscle weakness to successfully complete the test.
Similarly, tensile machines can also be adjusted so that a person can perform plyometric exercises in isolation. These are generally used by athletes to train muscle groups for better functioning. Plyometric movements often contract muscles in rapid sequences, thus improving strength and flexibility.
Strength machines often work based on the individual muscle groups being evaluated. The isokinetic knee test, for example, is often performed in a sitting position. A thigh sling is often used to secure a patient to the seat and the technician can then set the desired range of motion for the legs. If the patient undergoes strength testing, the machine can be set for a specific amount of time, such as 10 minutes. Conversely, a patient undergoing strength assessments may need to perform a certain number of repetitions, such as five.
The isokinetic test for the shoulder can examine four different movements: flexion/extension, in which the arm is raised and lowered with the forearm pointing up; adduction and abduction, in which the arms are raised straight out to the sides; shoulder rotations; and diagonal movements with the elbow. The elbow, wrist, hip, patella, and ankle are additional joints and muscle groups that can be critically examined with isokinetic testing.
Factors that can affect a patient’s results include motivation, physical activity levels prior to testing, and familiarity with how the machine works. Many clinical trials give patients time to familiarize themselves with the torque machine before the test begins. The test often begins after doing several repetitions of practice. Additionally, patients who do not try their hardest during the test may receive inaccurate results and the overall assessment may therefore be biased.
Torque machines have been shown to provide fundamentally accurate data when testing uniaxial joints such as the knee. These data are generally considered useless, however, when diagnosing orthopedic abnormalities. Isokinetic testing essentially allows patients to work on muscle function in a safe and controlled way. Such a rehabilitation program, which is usually prescribed based on test results, can also be customized to meet individual needs and expected outcomes. Repeated periodic testing may occur to monitor the patient’s progress and to evaluate the development of muscle strength.
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