Isokinetic Dynamometry

 
 

Humac Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer

Humac Norm Isokinetic dynamometer

An isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) is considered the ‘gold standard’ for assessment and rehabilitation of injury. We use the IKD extensively in our clinic to offer athletes & clients the highest standard of care as part of the rehabilitation journey.

  • Initial injury assessments

  • IKD exercise loading sessions

  • Return to sport assessments

  • Consultation with professional sporting clubs

 

WHAT DOES THE ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETER TELL US?

Hip Extensors CONC/ECC @ 30deg/s

Assessment of Strength Deficits

This graph highlights the peak strength deficit of the left and right side hip extensors in both the concentric and eccentric phases of a female athlete with high hamstring pain. The results highlight a 21% deficit in concentric hip extensor strength and 17% deficit in eccentric hip extensor strength. Achieving at least 90% limb symmetry is often considered prerequisite before returning to sport.

 

Force over position: '“highlighting the deficit range”

Force over Position Curve

Looking at force over position tells us where in the range the athlete is deficit. Between the ranges of 60-90 degrees of hip flexion the athlete is up to 53% deficit compared to the uninjured side. This allows us to target a particular range of motion with a specific loading protocol to build capacity of the compromised tissue.

 

IKD Loading session: “Targeting the deficit range”

 

IKD Loading sessions 60-90deg (deficit area)

After identifying the deficit area, specific loading protocols are then developed to build local tissue capacity. Loading sessions can be set in specific ranges of motion utilising either isokinetic loads (fixed speed), isotonic loads (fixed load) or isometric loading.

Force over position following rehab

Force over position: eliminating the deficit

Note that after 3 loading sessions over 12 days we have successfully eliminated the deficit of the left leg between 60-90 degree range