Exploring the issue of ‘functionality’ in isokinetic dynamometry

Abstract

ABSTRACT Strength is a primary and modifiable contributor to performance, injury risk, and rehabilitative success. The gold standard measure of strength is the isokinetic dynamometer, providing the clinician with the opportunity to manipulate contraction modality, range, and speed about a joint. However, criticism has highlighted a lack of functional relevance, with arbitrary selection of speed across the full range. To better understand function, biomechanical analysis of movement can inform a bespoke isokinetic data collection protocol. In this case, we use walking gait, a function goal for daily living and clinically assessed following knee replacement surgery for example. Concentric knee flexor and extensor demand was evident at an average angular velocity of 70°·s−1, whilst eccentric knee flexor and extensor demands were evident at speeds of 192°·s−1 and 165°·s−1, respectively. The efficacy of isokinetic dynamometry can be enhanced with bespoke data collection protocols, which better reflect the functional demands of the clinical movement objective.