ABSTRACT
Isokinetic is a term used to describe a situation where there is a muscle contraction during movement but the rate of the movement is held at a constant, pre-determined angular velocity. An isokinetic dynamometer is a device that is used to assess the limb or joint in this manner. The isokinetic dynamometer is a specialised machine that can be used in rehabilitation of injured limbs or in the improvement in strength. The isokinetic device can also measure the muscles acting around joints in both an isometric and isotonic mode of operation. Isometric testing involves the muscles being testing while no movement of the lever arm takes place, while isotonic testing is when the muscle is tested against a constant or pre-selected variable resistance. Isokinetic devices are a significant part of modern exercise testing and prescription and they are becoming essential for rehabilitation following injury.
