Category: Key Concepts

Conversion Charts

These pages are now only available to download: Ft Lbs to Nm Nm to Ft Lbs Kg to Lbs Lbs to Kg Kg to Newtons Newtons to Kg Stones pounds to Kg
How is Isokinetic Resistance Created?

Modern isokinetics machines use several components to create isokinetic resistance. Apart from the base of the machine and chair/bed to perform tests/exercises from the main component of the modern isokinetic machine is the dynamometer. This is the part of the machine that does all of the work and is by far the most expensive piece. It…
Muscle Fibre Types

Skeletal muscle fibers are not all the same. Traditionally, they were categorised depending on their varying color. Red Fibers: Those containing high levels of myoglobin and oxygen storing proteins had a red appearance. Red muscle fibers tend to have more mitochondria and blood vessels than the white ones. White Fibers: Those with a low content…
Order of Joint Forces

The order of joint forces describes the amount of force placed through the musculo-skeletal system during a type of exercise or test. The higher the force the more likely the exercise will be painful and the higher the likelihood of injury during it. Eccentric actions are always more stressful on the body’s systems because more…
Order of Strength

Order Of Strength The order of strength describes how much torque (strength) we can produce in the various exercises or tests if the test is the same. For example if we tested bicep strength we would get the lowest result in a standard isotonic concentric test. If we repeated the same bicep test isokinetically the…
Measurements

In most modern systems based on either a resistance pad and a load sensor (where the position of the lever arm is adjustable like the Kin-Com AP) or where torque is derived from turning force at the actuator axis (like in the Cybex / CSMI Norm, Biodex system 4 pro, Isocom, BTE, Contrex and Isomed), the following…
MAP curves

In isokinetics (and isometric contractions) a MAP curve is produced whenever a subject pushes against the pad/attachment on the lever arm (no matter how hard). They represent the various force points the machine records, so if you test your subject’s knee and they push 10Nm at the beginning of the range of motion, then a…
Contraindications

Please note this is not an extensive list only a guide. Caution must be taken as some forms of isokinetic testing / exercising are harder than others. Hence a form of test / exercise that may be appropriate for one individual may not be appropriate to another. Prudent judgment should be used. Absolute Non united…
Protocols

For Specific protocols please see the practical section/s. Here each movement at each joint has it’s own specific protocols (towards the middle of the page after the set up section). Warm up An initial warm up, including stretching and gentle cardiovascular work, should be performed for 15 minutes prior to the use of the isokinetic…