Isokinetic Group Research Articles

Auxotonic training in muscle strength and power performance of professional young volleyball players

Auxotonic training unexplained on isotonic and isometric muscular contraction combination to develop strength and power gain. The study aimed to investigate muscle strength and power changes of professional young volleyball players on the auxotonic training effect. Volleyball players divided in AUT (auxotonic group: 16.32 y, 1.72 m, 63.63 kg) trained over 8 week and per week 2 day performing isotonic + isometric contraction combination periodization and IKT (isokinetic group: 16.23 y, 1.69 m, 60.22 kg) performed only isokinetic contraction periodization. The linear muscle strength and power processes of training periodization preferred for maximize performance. The strength changes of this study resulted on AUT and IKT for 1RM strength test and activforce isometric muscular strength adaptation test were similar, however, AUT obtained high improvement power performance (p < .05). Auxotonic training developed on strength and power for AUT. Additionally, showing of comparison between AUT and IKT concluded CMJ (90°) ES = 1.09 very large, vertical jump ES = 1.31 very large and handgrip right ES = 0.05 small effect size. Based on the results we obtained, current auxotonic contraction was determined on resistance training applied to young volleyball players effective in strength and power development. Auxotonic training performed on young volleyball players will bring a perspective to the coaches and athletes work in this field as a resistance training model. The auxotonic training strategy for long term performance changes on outcomes of using aimed potential muscle isotonic + isometric contraction combination may be effective maximize strength and power performance.

Comparison of isokinetic exercise and standard exercise protocol in patients with spondyloarthropathies

Introduction: Spondyloarthropathy is a group of different chronic rheumatic diseases. There are a number of physiotherapy interventions that all aim to support the trunk flexors and extensors, relieve pain, and mobilize the joints. The aim of this study is to compare isokinetic exercises (IE) with a standard exercise protocol in patients with spondyloarthropathies. Methods: A total of 16 subjects participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: The group with the standard protocol (SP) and the other in the isokinetic protocol (IP). Both groups underwent the same follow-up testing: Muscle strength, pain, and functional status. Both groups underwent a total of 15 physiotherapy interventions over a 3-week period. Results: The mean age in the standard group was 36 ± 7.93 and in the isokinetic group 46.13 ± 13.88. In the isokinetic group, there was a difference in pain intensity between the second and third measurements (p = 0.016). There was an improvement in muscle strength in the isokinetic group (Cohen’s d = 0.33). At an angular velocity (AV) of 60°/s, this group is better than the delayed SP, while it is directly better at an AV of 90°/s (d = 0.30). The delayed measurement of the groups (IP) showed a lower functional deficit than the SP group (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study and a search of the scientific literature, we can conclude that IE has been shown to be beneficial rather than harmful. Further longitudinal studies with a larger number of subjects are needed to investigate the effects of isokinetics on functional outcomes in rheumatology patients.

Effects of individualized lower limb isokinetic strengthening in clinical rehabilitation of older post-stroke patients: A retrospective study.

Muscle weakness in the lower limbs is a motor consequence of stroke that causes functional impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an individualized isokinetic strengthening programme, using the moment-velocity profile, on functional recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation of older patients. A further objective was to describe the effects of the individualized isokinetic strengthening on muscular parameters. Retrospective study. Older post-stroke patients. Using the Barthel Index, functional abilities in basic daily tasks were assessed and retrospectively analysed for 88 patients in a post-stroke rehabilitation unit. Of these, 44 patients received conventional rehabilitation (conventional group) and 44 received individualized isokinetic strengthening in addition to conventional rehabilitation (isokinetic group). A 2-Group (isokinetic, conventional) × 2-Time (before, after intervention) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. For muscular parameters, Student t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed. The Barthel Index score increased more in the isokinetic group (61.59 ± 26.34 to 88.18 ± 12.16) than in the conventional group (61.70 ± 26.5 to 76.93 ± 18.12). A significant Time × Group interaction was found (F(1,86) = 5.95, p = 0.02). In the isokinetic group all muscular parameters improved. This retrospective clinical study suggests that lower limb isokinetic strengthening, individualized using the moment-velocity profile, is clinically efficient for functional recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation of older patients. Intragroup effects of isokinetic strengthening also suggest benefits for muscular parameters.

Comparison of the Effects of Isokinetic, Isometric, and Isotonic Exercises on Knee Osteoarthritis Using Ultrasound.

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the effects of different types of exercise on pain, functional capacity, muscle strength measured by an isokinetic dynamometer, and femoral cartilage (FC) thickness measured using ultrasound in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods: Sixty patients were randomized to isokinetic, isometric, and isotonic exercise groups, and exercise programs were completed five days a week over three weeks. The FC thickness for each knee was evaluated in medial, intercondylar, and lateral areas using ultrasound, and muscle strength was assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer. Activity levels were also measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). At three weeks from baseline, follow-up clinical measurements of knee muscle strength and FC thickness were performed.Results: A significant decrease was observed in all three groups in post-treatment visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores. In terms of evaluation of WOMAC scores, no significant difference was observed between the groups. In the isokinetic group, a significant increase was detected in extensor and flexor muscle strength measurements at the angular velocities of 60º/s and 180º/s. In the isotonic group, a statistically significant increase was detected in peak torque values of extensor and flexor muscles at 60º/s in the left knee only. Regarding FC thickness, a significant increase was found in the intercondylar area and the lateral condyle measurements of the left knee in the isokinetic group and the intercondylar area measurements of the right knee in the isometric group. In the isokinetic group, a statistically significant decrease was detected in the medial condyle of the right knee. It was observed that isokinetic exercise ended up with a significant increase in FC thickness in the intercondylar area and the lateral condyle of the left knee and a significant decrease in the medial condyle of the right knee.Conclusion: Isokinetic exercise is functionally superior to isometric and isotonic exercise, providing more significant improvements in muscle strength measurements and FC thickness. Further research is needed to determine the interactions among therapeutic exercises in patients with KOA that impact knee cartilage quantities.

Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects Between Isokinetic and Isotonic Strength Training in Patients After Total Knee Replacement: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:Rebuilding the strength of the quadriceps as soon as possible after total knee replacement (TKR) is important so as to restore gait stability. To date, there are no standard postoperative strength training programs during the early recovery stage after TKR.Purpose:To compare the therapeutic effects between isokinetic and isotonic strengthening in patients after TKR.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods:From April 2018 to August 2020, 37 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to perform either 4-week isokinetic or isotonic strength training programs. Other components of the rehabilitation program were kept the same between the 2 groups. All cases were evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, peak torque of knee extension and flexion (60 and 120 deg/s), 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).Results:After undergoing a 4-week strength training regimen, significant improvements in the TUG test were noted in both groups; however, the time improvement in the isotonic group did not reach the minimal detectable change. All peak torque measurements improved in the isokinetic group but not in the isotonic group for knee flexion at 60 deg/s. The pain subdomain, physical domain, mental domain, total SF-36 score, and WOMAC index all improved significantly in both groups after training. Both training groups improved significantly in peak torque of knee strength, TUG test, and functional scores, but the differences between isokinetic and isotonic training were not statistically significant.Conclusion:The study findings showed that a 4-week strengthening exercise program in the early postoperative stage, involving either isokinetic or isotonic training, resulted in significant improvements in patients undergoing TKR.Registration:NCT02938416 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF TORQUE DEFICIT REDUCTION IN KNEE EXTENSORS AND FLEXORS AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

In this prospective study, we presented the effect of isokinetic training on the clinical outcome of rehabilitation in relation to the reduction of the torque deficit in thigh muscles (DEF) after anterior cruciate ligament (LCA) reconstruction. The prospective study followed 144 subjects, 72 women and 72 men, with a mean age of 28.20 ± 4.52, four months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a hamstring graft. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the type of rehabilitation treatment they underwent. Subjects of the isokinetic group (72 subjects, 36 males and 36 females), underwent kinesitherapy according to the isokinetic exercise protocol which consisted of a one-day isokinetic training lasting for thirty minutes, five times a week for six weeks. Subjects of the classical group (72 subjects, 36 males and 36 females) underwent kinesitherapy based on standard isotonic exercises to increase muscle strength, i.e. exercises with weights and in the gym. The difference in the outcome of rehabilitation was objectified by a concentric-concentric isokinetic test at an angular velocity of 60 °/s before the start, after three weeks and after six weeks of rehabilitation. The monitoring parameters were: torque deficit of the injured leg knee extensor in relation to the uninjured leg (EXDEF) -% and torque deficit of the knee flexor of the injured leg in relation to the uninjured leg (FLDEF) -%.

The Effects of Upper Extremity Isokinetic Strengthening in Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of isokinetic strengthening in paretic upper extremity among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. MethodsHemiplegic patients with at least 6 months post-stroke and those with arm and hand Brunnstrom motor recovery stage ≥ 3 were included to the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Isokinetic training group received 4 weeks (3 days/week) of isokinetic strengthening, while the control group was tailored strengthening exercises with exercise bands. Outcome measures were the isokinetic peak torque of wrist flexor and extensors, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, hand grip strength, peak isometric strength of wrist flexor and extensors. Outcome measures were evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at the end of week 4) and 4 weeks after the end of treatment (at the end of week 8). The trial was registered at ClinicalTtrials.gov (ID: NCT03834311). ResultsAfter 4 weeks, changes in extensor peak torque at 60°/sn (p=0.007) and extensor peak isometric muscle strength (p=0.007) were higher in the isokinetic group (n=12) than those in the control group (n=12). At the end of week 8, only DASH score revealed a significantly higher improvement in the isokinetic group than that in the control group (p=0.014). ConclusionsIsokinetic strengthening may provide motor and functional improvement in paretic upper extremity among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

The role of isokinetic muscle strength training in rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair

Objective To explore the effect of isokinetic strength training on post-operative rehabilitation of rotator cuff injury after arthroscopy. Methods Forty patients who had received arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear no less than 3 months previously and who had normal joint movement were selected and randomly divided into a routine training group (the control group) and an isokinetic strength training group (the experimental group), each of 20. Both groups did internal and external rotation strength training with Thera-Band elastic bands, 10-20 times/session, 3 sessions/day. The experimental group additionally underwent isokinetic strength training of the shoulder for 15-20 minutes twice a week. Isokinetic strength tests were performed after 3 and 6 months at test speeds of 60°/s and 180°/s. The evaluation indexes included the internal and external rotation peak torque, peak TQ/BW, the deficit of the affected shoulder joint, the peak torque difference and peak TQ/BW difference before and after training. Results Both groups had improved significantly after the treatment, but the improvement in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control group, on average. Conclusion Isokinetic muscle strength training is helpful to recover strength after arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff injury, especially the rapid external rotation muscle strength. It is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Rotator cuff injury; Isokinetic training; Rehabilitation

Effects of isokinetic knee muscle training on bone morphogenetic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers in post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury: A randomized trial.

To determine the effects of isokinetic training of the knee muscles on bone morphogenetic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers in post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury in university football players. A total of 60 participants with post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury were randomly allocated into 3 groups: isokinetic training (n = 20), sensory motor training (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The groups underwent different training programmes for 4 weeks. Clinical and biochemical values were measured at baseline, 4-week, 8-week and 6-month follow-ups. Four weeks after training the isokinetic group showed more significant changes in pain intensity and functional disability than the sensory motor training or control groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant improvement in bone morphogenic protein measures, (e.g. bone morphogenic proteins 2, 4, 6, and 7) in any of the groups. There was an improvement in inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6) in the isokinetic training group compared with the other 2 groups (p < 0.001). Isokinetic training results in greater improvements in pain and functional disability than sensory motor training in post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury in university football players. The isokinetic training programme had a beneficial effect on levels of inflammatory biomarkers and negligible effect on bone morphogenic proteins.

Effect of isokinetic training of thigh muscle group on graft remodeling after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To investigate the effect of isokinetic training of thigh muscle group on graft remodeling after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and summarize the relevant rules to guide the clinic. Between August 2016 and December 2016, forty patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon were randomly divided into isokinetic group and control group ( n=20). The two groups of patients underwent staged rehabilitation treatment. The isokinetic group replaced the traditional intervention with the corresponding isokinetic strength training from 3 to 6 months after operation, and the traditional rehabilitation intervention was used in the control group. Finally, 12 cases of isokinetic group and 12 cases of control group with complete follow-up were enrolled in study. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, side of injury, the interval between injury and operation, and preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The peak torque (PT) of knee extension and flexion and hamstring quadriceps ratio (H/Q) were measured at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and the second-look arthroscopy. The MRI examination was performed at the same time to evaluate graft remodeling. The shape, tension, and degree of vascularization of grafts were observed under arthroscopy. The grafts were harvested and observed by HE staining. The invertal between ACL reconstruction and the second-look arthroscopy was (23.57±3.23) months in isokinetic group and (23.22±3.56) months in control group, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). At the second-look arthroscopy, the IKDC score was 90.45±4.73 in isokinetic group and 89.32±4.54 in control group, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores in the two groups ( P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.868， P=0.404). At 3 months after operation, there was no significant difference in the PT of knee extension and flexion between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 6 months, 12 months, and the second-look arthroscopy, the PT of knee extension and flexion in isokinetic group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05). The H/Q at 6 months and 12 months were higher in isokinetic group than in control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in MRI score between the two groups at 3 months, 6 months, and the second-look arthroscopy ( P>0.05). The MRI score at 12 months was significantly higher in isokinetic group than in control group ( P<0.05). At the second-look arthroscopy, there was no significant difference in the arthroscopic score between the two groups ( P>0.05), and the histological score of the isokinetic group was superior to the control group ( P<0.05). On the basis of regular rehabilitation training, using the isokinetic training system to develop a suitable post-surgical isokinetic rehabilitation training program is helpful in early muscle strength recovery, early graft remodeling, and even long-term histological results after ACL reconstruction.

Isokinetic eccentric training is more effective than constant load eccentric training for quadriceps rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of conventional (constant load) eccentric training and isokinetic eccentric training on quadriceps muscle mass, strength and functional performance in recreational athletes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsThirty recreational male athletes (25 years old) undergoing ACL reconstruction received a standard rehabilitation program. Volunteers were randomized to conventional group (CG; n = 15) or isokinetic group (IG; n = 15) to be engaged in a 6-week (2 sessions/week) quadriceps eccentric training program at the extensor chair or at the isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. Assessments of quadriceps muscle mass (through magnetic resonance imaging), strength (through isokinetic dynamometry) and self-aware functionality (through questionnaire) were performed before and after the training programs. Single leg hop test performance was assessed only at post-training evaluation. ResultsIG had significantly higher improvements than CG (p < 0.05) for all muscle mass outcomes (+17–23% vs. +5–9%), as well as for isometric (+34% vs. +20%) and eccentric (+85% vs. +23%) peak torques. There was no between-group difference (p > 0.05) for concentric peak torque, Lysholm score, and single leg hop test. ConclusionIsokinetic eccentric training promotes greater responses than conventional eccentric training on quadriceps muscle mass and strength of recreational athletes following ACL reconstruction.

Effects of Isokinetic versus Isotonic Training and its Cessation on Total Leukocytes and Lymphocytes Count in Adolescent State-level Weightlifters.

Background:The study investigated the effects of isokinetic versus isotonic training among adolescent state-level weightlifters in terms of total leukocytes, total lymphocytes, and its subsets following 24 sessions of training program and a month following training program cessation.Methods:Nineteen adolescent state-level weightlifters were assigned into isokinetic or isotonic groups. All participants were recruited from a pool of weightlifters with standardized training program provided by their coach. Series of immunological tests were carried out before the commencement, immediately upon the completion, and a month after the cessation of the additional training program to evaluate total leukocytes and lymphocytes count.Results:The results revealed a significant time and group interaction and main effects of time on mean total leukocytes (P < 0.05). Mean total leukocytes count at posttest decreased in both groups. In isotonic group, it was further decreased following 1 month of training cessation (P < 0.05) but not in the isokinetic group. However, the decrement was not high and the values were in the normal range. No significant time and group interaction was observed in total lymphocytes and its subsets count.Conclusions:Eight weeks of isokinetic and isotonic additional training with emphasis on shoulder joint only affect mean total leukocytes count in state-level adolescent weightlifters.

Impact of Isokinetic training on pain in patients’ with Knee osteoarthritis-A Meta-analysis

The incidence of osteoarthritis has been alarming over the years due to increase in the proportion of the aged people. Osteoarthritis has been commonly found to affect the knee joint, the most important joint in the context of weight bearing function of the lower limb. Cartilage destruction and subchondral bone erosion along with other entities affecting the entire structure of the knee are associated with osteoarthritis. Isokinetic training has been used to train athletes and to measure the function of the muscles for almost 5 decades. It has found its application in assessment and training of patients with various disorders. Osteoarthritis of knee is one such disorder where the application of the isokinetic training has been increasing over the years. There have been controversies over the effect of isokinetic training in patients with osteoarthritis of knee. Hence the magnitude of the effect of isokinetic training on functional parameters in patients with osteoarthritis of knee needs to be evaluated. A thorough online literature search was done on Web of Science, ProQuest, PubMed, Ebscohost, CINAHL between 1990 and 2014. Ten articles measuring the effect of isokinetic training on osteoarthritis of knee were included and methodologically assessed. Data from the trials were extracted based on the demographic characteristics, outcomes measured, isokinetic training protocol and the other interventions used. Standardized effect sizes with 95%confidence interval (CIs) were calculated from the preintervention and post intervention means of the isokinetic training group and other intervention group. About 10 studies were included in the review and 9 articles were analysed for reduction in pain. Isokinetic training was not so beneficial in reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Since there was so much of heterogeneity among the studies the result of the analysis should be inferred with caution. Yet there is no definitive evidence to confirm the effects of isokinetic training on osteoarthritis of knee.

Effects of isokinetic versus isotonic training on strength, power and muscular balance of rotator cuff muscles among advanced level of adolescent weightlifters

Weightlifting is a sport that demands dynamic strength and power which involves a multi joint movement and whole body lifts. As an important kinetic chain involved in motions of weightlifting, previous literatures reported shoulder injuries due to muscular imbalance of shoulder rotator cuff muscles. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the effects of isokinetic versus isotonic training on strength, power and muscular balance of the rotator cuff. A total of 24 state-level weightlifters were recruited and randomly assigned (gender- and weight-matched) into either isokinetic or isotonic group. However, only 19 participants successfully completed the intervention programme. Both groups went through 24 sessions of a training program three times per week for eight weeks. The intensity of training was increased progressively in terms of number of repetitions and set. Isokinetic variables of peak torque per body weight, time to peak torque, average power and external to internal rotators muscular strength ratio were recorded before and after the commencement of training and one month following the cessation of training. There was a non-statistically significant trend that indicated positive changes in the biomechanical adaptations of the rotator cuff in the isokinetic group compared to the isotonic group in terms of peak torque/body weight, time to peak torque and average power. In conclusion, both isokinetic and isotonic training specifically for rotator cuff has a potential to be proposed as an additional training among experienced weightlifters to improve their performance.

The effects of isokinetic training on shoulder function in patients underwent surgical operation of breast cancer

Objective To investigate the effect of isokinetic training on shoulder function in patients underwent surgery of breast cancer. Methods Seventy breast cancer patients were randomly allocated into an isokinetic group(36 cases) and a control group(34 cases). Both groups were treated with traditional rehabilitation treatments, and the patients in the isokinetic group also received isokinetic training in addition. The lymphatic return, the circumference of upper limb, the maximum torque(MT), the total work(TW), the average work(AW), the shoulder function and the range of motion of the shoulder at the affected side were recorded before and after training. Results ①After training, the lymphatic return and the circumference of upper limb improved in both groups compared with baseline, while those in the isokinetic group improved to a significantly greater extent(P<0.05). ②After training, average MT, TW and AW increased significantly in isokinetic group(P<0.05); the shoulder function and the range of motion of affected side shoulder increased in both groups compared with baseline, but the isokinetic group increased significantly better(P<0.05). Conclusion Isokinetic training can improve the shoulder function of patients underwent breast cancer surgery. Key words: Breast cancer; Isokinetic training; Lymphedema; Shoulder function

Do isometric, isotonic and/or isokinetic strength trainings produce different strength outcomes?

IntroductionSeveral studies have been developed to determine which type of muscular action (isometric, isotonic and isokinetic) elicits more gains in functional strength and muscle mass. The comparisons between training outcomes are inconclusive due to lack of exercise standardization. ObjectiveTo compare muscle strength, mass, and functional performance in response to isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic contractions, when training loads (volume and intensity) are equated. MethodData were derived from a university community-recruited sample (n = 31 men). InterventionsUntrained men were assigned to isotonic (IT), isometric (IM), or isokinetic (IK) group, and trained their dominant quadriceps muscle 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks with a dynamometer. Muscle strength was assessed using Cybex 6000 dynamometer; the triple-hop-distance test was used to assess functional performance, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess lean muscle mass. ResultsAfter training, muscle lean muscle mass increased in isometric (+3.1%, p < 0.01) and isotonic groups (+3.9%, p < 0.01); only the isokinetic group showed a significant improvement in the triple-hop-distance test (4.84%, p < 0.01). ConclusionClinicians should consider isometric training as an alternative for isotonic training to gain muscle mass, and isokinetic training to improve functional performance of daily activities and/or sports.

Effects of isokinetic, isometric, and aerobic exercises on clinical variables and knee cartilage volume using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with osteoarthritis.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of isokinetic, isometric, and aerobic exercise protocols on pain, disability, physical function, and articular cartilage in osteoarthritis. A total of 45 women (mean age 52.1 years; range 45 to 65 years) who were admitted to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with primary bilateral knee osteoarthritis between May 2008 and January 2010 were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups as isokinetic (n=15), aerobic (n=15), and isometric exercise groups (n=15). Exercise protocols were applied five days a week for four weeks. Pain was evaluated using a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS-pain), pain, joint stiffness and physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and disability was assessed using the Lequesne Index before and after the interventions. Isokinetic knee muscle strength measurements were also obtained. Patellar and femoral cartilage volumes were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging. The VAS-pain, WOMAC, and Lequesne scores and peak torque values of knee extension improved in all groups with the highest improvement in the isokinetic group. For the knee flexion peak torque values, improvements were significant only in the isokinetic group at both velocities. There was no significant change in the femoral cartilage volume in any group after the interventions. However, patellar cartilage volume significantly increased in the isometric group (p=0.036). A four-week isokinetic, aerobic, and isometric exercise programs improved pain and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Isokinetic exercise also increased the muscle strength with improved maintenance of the quadriceps/hamstring ratio. Only isometric exercise increased the patellar cartilage volume.

Neuromuscular Changes and Damage after Isoload versus Isokinetic Eccentric Exercise.

This study compared the effects of isoload (IL) and isokinetic (IK) knee extensor eccentric exercises on changes in muscle damage and neuromuscular parameters to test the hypothesis that the changes would be different after IL and IK exercises. Twenty-two young men were paired based on their strength and placed in the IL (N = 11) or the IK (N = 11) group. The IL group performed 15 sets of 10 eccentric contractions with a 150% of predetermined one-repetition maximum load. The IK group performed 15 sets of several maximal eccentric contractions matched set by set for the total amount of work and mean angular velocity with the IL group. Muscle damage markers (voluntary isometric peak torque, muscle soreness, and creatine kinase activity) and neuromuscular variables (e.g., voluntary activation, H-reflex, M-wave, and evoked torque) were measured before, immediately after, and 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postexercise. Voluntary isometric peak torque decreased to the same extent (P = 0.94) in both groups immediately after (IL = -40.6% ± 13.8% vs IK = -42.4% ± 10.2%) to 96 h after the exercise (IL = -21.8% ± 28.5% vs IK = -26.7% ± 23.5%). Neither peak muscle soreness (IL = 48.1 ± 28.2 mm vs IK = 54.7 ± 28.9 mm, P = 0.57) nor creatine kinase activity (IL = 12,811 ± 22,654 U·L vs IK = 15,304 ± 24,739 U·L, P = 0.59) significantly differed between groups. H-reflex (IL = -23% vs IK = -35%) and M-wave (IL = -10% vs IK = -17%) significantly decreased immediately postexercise similarly between groups. The changes in muscle damage and neuromuscular function after the exercise are similar between IL and IK, suggesting that resistance modality has little effects on acute muscle responses.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation and isokinetic training on muscle strength, explosive strength, lean body mass and gait in severely burned children: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of vitamin D (VD) supplementation and isokinetic training on muscle strength, explosive strength (counter movement jump) (ES), lean body mass (LBM) and gait parameters in severe pediatric burn. MethodsForty-eight burned children with circumferential lower extremity burns covering 40–55% of the total body surface area (TBSA), aged 10–16 years (Mean±SD 13.01±1.75), were randomized into the standard of care (n=16), isokinetic (n=17) and VD (n=15) groups. Unburned children (n=20) served as matched controls. All burned children received 12 weeks of routine physical therapy program (RPTP). In addition, the isokinetic group received isokinetic training for the quadriceps dominant limb 3 times per week at angular velocity 150°/s, and the VD group received the isokinetic training plus an oral daily dose of vitamin D3 1000 IU (Cholecalciferol). The primary measures, assessed at baseline and 12 weeks, included quadriceps strength by isokinetic dynamometer, ES, LBM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and gait parameters by GAITRite system. ResultsThe VD and isokinetic groups showed significant improvement in quadriceps strength, ES, LBM and gait parameters compared with the standard of care, and VD group show significant improvement in the VD level as compared with the other groups. The outcome measures (and percent of improvement where applicable) for the VD, isokinetic and standard of care are as follows: quadriceps strength, 85.25±0.93Nm (85%), 64.25±0.93 (36%) and 51.88±1.31Nm (12%); stride length, 94.00±2.69 (7%), 110.60±2.87 (25%) and 139.56±2.57 (60%); step length, 67.26±2.45 (72%), 55.25±2.49 (43%) and 43.76±1.34 (18%); velocity, 133.94±1.65 (82%), 99.94±1.65 (35%) and 80.11±1.91 (9%); and cadence, 140.63±1.36 (68%), 132.63±1.36 (58%) and 90.35±1.32 (9%), VD level 43.33±7.48 (75%), 24.77±7.38 (5%) and 25.63±8.39 (4%) respectively. ConclusionsVD supplementation combined with exercise training significantly increased muscle strength, ES, LBM, gait and VD level in severely burned children.

Isokinetic exercise improves concentric knee flexion torque better than isometric exercise in patients with advanced osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Although exercise is recommended for knee osteoarthritis, to the best of our knowledge there have been no studies comparing isometric and isokinetic exercise in relation to the degree of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of isokinetic and isometric exercise program s in terms of pain, physical function and muscle strength in relation to the severity of knee osteoarthritis. METHOD: A total of 73 females, aged 50-65 years with bilateral Grade II (n= 36) and Grade III (n= 37) knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to an isokinetic [Grade II (n= 19), Grade III (n= 18)], or isometric exercise group [Grade II (n= 17), Grade III (n= 19)]. The isokinetic groups underwent a concentric strengthening program at 90°/s and 120°/s once per day, and the isometric groups underwent an isometric strengthening program at 3 times per day for 15 days. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound and hot packs were applied for all groups. The primary outcome measure was pain evaluated by visual analogue scale and secondary outcome measures of Western Ontario {&} McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, sit-stand, standing-up from a chair and 15-m walking, ascend/descend stairs, and concentric flexor and extensor peak torque at 90, 120, 180 and 300°/s were measured in all patients before and after 15 days of treatment. RESULTS: A significant difference was determined between the isokinetic grade III group and the isometric grade III group adjusted to baseline values at 15 days post-treatment in respect of flexion peak torque value at 120°/s.The change in the peak torque value in the isokinetic grade III group was greater than that of the the isometric grade III group (108%, 59%, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the other outcome measures and isokinetic peak torque values at different velocities. CONCLUSION: The concentric flexion torque at 120°/s improved more in the isokinetic grade III group than in the isometric grade III group.