Review article : An overview of isokinetic dynamometry with specific reference to the upper limb

Abstract

Isokinetic dynamometry offers distinct advantages, both clinically and for research, in the evaluation and treatment of muscle performance. The concepts of isokinetic muscle contractions are outlined and the operation and utilization of isokinetic dynamometers explained. The literature examining the reliability and validity of isokinetic protocols is reviewed. Application of this modality is discussed both from the clinical and research perspective. The existing, but limited, literature on isokinetic dynamometry with the upper limb is reviewed, and recommendations are made as to areas requiring further investigation.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Hislop H. , Perrine J. The isokinetic concept of exercise. Phys Ther 1967; 47: 114-17.

Thistle HG , Hislop H. , Moffroid M. , Lowman E. Isokinetic contraction: a new concept of resistive exercise. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Res 1967; 48: 279-82.

Moffroid M. , Whipple R. , Hofkosh J. , Lowman E. , Thistle H. A study of isokinetic exercise. Phys Ther 1969; 49: 735-43.

Winter DA , Wells RP , Orr GW Errors in the use of isokinetic dynamometers. Eur J Appl Physiol 1981; 46: 397-408.

Hinson MN , Smith WC , Funk S. Isokinetics: a clarification. Res Q 1979; 50: 30-35.

Rothstein J ed. Measurement in physical therapy. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1985.

Sapega AA Muscle performance evaluation in orthopaedic practice. J Bone Joint Surg 1990; 72A: 1562-74.

Pentland W. , Lo SK , Strauss G. The reliability of upper extremity isokinetic torque measurements with the Kin-Com (II) isokinetic dynamometer. Isokin Exerc Sci (under revision).

Bohannon RW , Smith M. Intrasession reliability of angle specific knee extension torque measurements with gravity correctional. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989; 11: 155-57.

10.

Karnofel H. , Wilkinson K. , Lentell G. Reliability of isokinetic muscle testing at the ankle. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989; 11: 150-54.

11.

Barbee J. , Landis D. Reliability of Cybex Computer measures [Abstract]. Phys Ther 1984; 64: 737.

12.

Harding B. , Black T. , Bruulsema A. , Maxwell B. , Stratford P. Reliability of a reciprocal test protocol performed on the kinetic communicator: an isokinetic test of knee extensor and flexor strength. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988; 10: 218-23.

13.

Francis K. , Hoobler T. Comparison of peak torque values of the flexor and extensor muscle groups using the Cybex II and Lido 2.0 isokinetic dynamometers. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987; 8: 480-83.

14.

Warner MA , Duncan PW , Harned DJ , Garrett WE A comparison of the Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer and Ariel Computerized Exerciser [Abstract]. Phys Ther 1985; 65: 730.

15.

Thompson MC , Shingkton LG , Kegerreis ST Comparison of values generated during testing of the knee using the Cybex II Plus and Biodex Model B-2000 isokinetic dynamometers. J Orthop Sports PhysTher 1989; 11: 108-15.

16.

American Psychological Association. Standards for educational and psychological tests. Washington DC: Americal Psychological Association, 1974.

17.

MacDonald PB , Alexander MJ , Frejuk J. , Johnson GE Comprehensive functional analysis of shoulders following complete acromioclavicular separation. Am J Sports Med 1988 ; 16: 475-80.

18.

Walker SW , Couch WH , Boester GA , Sprowl DW Isokinetic strength of the shoulder after repair of a torn rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg 1987; 69A: 1041-44.

19.

Miyashista M. , Kanehisa H. Dynamic peak torque related to age, sex, and performance. Res Q 1979; 50: 249-55.

20.

Ellenbecker T. , Davies G. , Rowinski M. Concentric versus eccentric isokinetic strengthening of the rotator cuff. Am J Sports Med 1988; 16: 64-69.

21.

Lander JE , Bates BT , Sawhill JA , Hamill J. A comparison between free-weight and isokinetic bench pressing. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1985 ; 17: 344-53.

22.

Knapik J. , Ramos M. Isokinetic and isometric torque relationships in the human body. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1980; 61: 64-67.

23.

Highgenboten C. , Jackson A. , Meske N. Concentric and eccentric torque comparisons for knee extension and flexion in young adult males and females using the Kinetic communicator. Am J Sports Med 1988 ; 16: 234-37.

24.

Knapik JJ , Wright JE , Mawdsley RH , Braun J. Isometric isotonic, and isokinetic torque variations in four muscle groups through a range of joint motion. Phys Ther 1983; 63: 938-47.

25.

Gransberg L. , Knutsson E. Determination of dynamic muscle strength in man with acceleration controlled isokinetic movements. Acta Physiol Scand 1983; 119: 317-20.

26.

Delitto A. , Crandell CE , Rose SJ Peak torque-to-body weight ratios in the trunk: a critical analysis. Phys Ther 1989; 69: 138-43.

27.

Hageman PA , Gillaspie DM , Hill LD Effects of speed ad limb dominance on eccentric and concentric isokinetic testing of the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988; 10: 59-65.

28.

Komi PV Measurement of the force-velocity relationship in human muscle under concentric and eccentric contractions. Medicine and sport, volume 8, Biomechanics III. 1973: 224-29.

29.

Ng LR , Kramer JS Shoulder rotator torques in female tennis and nontennis players. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991; 13: 40-46.

30.

Zajaczkowska A. Constant velocity in lifting as a criterion in muscular skill. Ergonomics 1962; 5: 337-56.

31.

Farrell M. , Richards JD Analysis of the reliability and validity of the kinetic communicator exercise device. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986; 18: 44-49.

32.

Reitz C. , Rowinski M. , Davies G. Comparison of Cybex II and Kin-Com reliability on the measures of peak torque, work and power, and sport. Athletic Train 1988; 18: 110-14.

33.

Hanten WP , Ramberg CL Effect of stabilization on maximal isokinetic torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle during concentric and eccentric contractions. Phys Ther 1988; 68: 219-22.

34.

Snow CJ , Johnson K. Reliability of two velocity-controlled tests for the measurement of peak torque of the knee flexors during resisted muscle-shortening and resisted muscle-lengthening . Physiother Can 1988; 40(2 suppl): 15.

35.

Tredinnick T. , Duncan P. Reliability of measurements of concentric and eccentric loading. Phys Ther 1988; 68: 656-59.

36.

Wessel J. , Mattison G. , Luongo F. , Isherwood L. Reliability of eccentric and concentric measurements. Physiother Can 1988; 40(2 suppl): 17.

37.

Kramer JF , Hill K. , Jones IC , Sandrin M. , Vyse M. Effects of dynamometer application arm length on concentric and eccentric torques during isokinetic knee extension. Physiother Can 1980; 41: 100-106.

38.

Larsson L. , Grimby G. , Karlsson J. Muscle strength and speed of movement in relation to age and muscle morphology . J Appl Physiol 1979; 46: 451-56.

39.

Murray MP , Gardner GM , Mollinger LA , Sepic SB Strength of isometric and isokinetic contractions. Knee muscles of men aged 20 to 86. Phys Ther 1980; 60: 412-19.

40.

Murray MP , Duthie EH , Gambert SR , Sepic SB , Mollinger LA Age-related differences in knee muscle strength in normal women. J Gerontol 1985; 40: 275-80.

41.

Pentland W. , Twomey LT The weight-bearing upper extremity in women with longterm paraplegia. Paraplegia 1991; 29: 521-30.

42.

Pentland W. Upper limb function in longterm paraplegia and implications for independence . [Thesis]. Western Australia: Curtin University, 1992.

43.

Kofsky P. , Shephard R. , Davis G. , Jackson R.

Muscle strength and aeorbic power - a study of lower-limb disabled males. Int

Rehabil Med 1985; 7: 151-55.

44.

Osternig LR Isokinetic dynamometry: implications for muscle testing and rehabilitation. In: Pandolf K ed. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 1986; 14: 45-80.

45.

Rogers KL , Berger KA Motor-unit involvement and tension during maximum voluntary concenric, eccentric, and isometric contractions of the elbow flexors. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1974; 6: 253-59.

46.

Griffin JW Differences in elbow flexion torque measured concentrically, eccentrically, and isometrically. Phys Ther 1987; 67: 1205-1208

47.

Eloranto V. , Komi PV Function of the quadriceps femoris under maximal concentric and eccentric contractions. Elect Clin Phys 1980; 20: 159-74.

48.

Walmsley RP , Pearson N. , Stymiest P. Eccentric wrist extensor contracts and the force velocity relationship in muscle. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986; 8: 288-93.

49.

Soderberg GL , Blaschak J. Shoulder internal and external rotation peak torque production through a velocity spectrum in differing positions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987; 8: 518-24.

50.

Ivey FM , Calhoun JH , Rusche K. , Kierschenk J. Isokinetic testing of shoulder strength: normal values. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Res 1985; 66: 384-86.

51.

Peat M. Functional anatomy of the shoulder complex. Phys Ther 1986; 66: 1855-65.

52.

Walmsley RP Validation and relevance of the Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer in measurement of shoulder movement [Thesis]. Strathclyde: University of Strathclyde, 1991.

53.

Kulig K. , Andrews J. , Hay J. Human strength curves. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 1984; 12: 417-66.

54.

Deutsch H. , Kilani H. , Moustafa E. , Hamiliton N. , Hebert J. Effect of head-neck position on elbow flexor muscle torque production. Phys Ther 1987; 67: 517-21.

55.

Hellebrandt FA , Houtz SJ , Partridge MJ , Walters CE Tonic neck reflexes in exercises of stress in man. Am J Phys Med 1956; 35: 144-60.

56.

Wicks J. , Oldridge N. , Cameron B. , Jones J. Arm cranking and wheelchair ergometry in elite spinal cord-injured athletes . Med Sci Sports Exer 1983; 15: 224-31.