Isokinetic Evaluation

Abstract

Isokinetic dynamometry is widely used for strength monitoring as well as for injuries prevention and rehabilitation in athletes and in physically active individuals. Isokinetic dynamometry has so advantages as disadvantages compared to other methods used for the evaluation of strength. One of the most important advantages of the isokinetic evaluation is the safety during testing, while the main drawback is the different way of muscle activation during athletic and daily activities. The aim of this study was to review previous studies that focused on the isokinetic evaluation, investigating the effects of different factors that could influence
the results of isokinetic measurement. There is evidence that muscle action and angular velocity may affect isokinetic peak torque values. More specifically, peak torque values are significantly greater at slow angular velocities and during eccentric muscle action compared to peak torque values at fast angular velocities and during concentric muscle action. Furthermore, previous studies examining the reliability of isokinetic strength measurements over a range of muscle actions and angular velocities have reported that the assessment of strength with eccentric muscle action especially at fast angular velocities is less reliable compared
to those with concentric muscle activation. Finally, despite the fact that bilateral differences and reciprocal muscle group torque ratios are contributory factors for muscle injuries; there in no adequate information regarding their use in hip, ankle, shoulder joints etc. However, the assessment of bilateral differences and muscle group torque ratios should be interpreted with more caution due to the fact that they present lower reliability than the isokinetic peak torque values.