New tool at the clinic for your recovery!
At Precision Movement and Therapies, we have recently acquired a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Let’s learn about this machine and how we can use it for the injury rehabilitation of our patients.
So, What Exactly is a Biodex Dynamometer?
It is a device used to measure force and torque. By setting up the machine, we can make sure that the testing is precise and reliable. This eliminates the guesswork in how much progress we are making with your rehab. Its dependability makes it a popular tool in research. It can be used for both assessment and exercise.
The 4 main ways to use the machine are:
- Isometrics
- Isokinetics
- Isotonics
- Continuous Passive Motion
ISOMETRICS
Muscle contractions during isometric exercises occur without any movement. We position your body in a particular angle and ask you to push or pull from there. This could be at a low level or up to a maximal effort, depending on the severity of the injury and your symptoms. We can use it with people who are experiencing pain from an injury, a chronic illness, or a recent surgery since there is less movement, which reduces the load on joints.
We generally would start patients with isometrics first in their rehab journey, and if we need more information or a challenge we’d move them on to isokinetics.
ISOKINETICS
Isokinetic includes is resistance at a steady speed; letting the muscle use the same amount of force throughout the range of motion. This has many advantages and applications.
Because we are test throughout the range we can get a bigger picture of the muscles ability to generate tension. This makes it possible to accurately evaluate weakness, function, and muscle imbalances. Progress measurement and treatment planning are aided by this information.
Some examples where we’d use isokinetic for injury rehabilitation or surgery recovery. ACL construction, rotator cuff repair, or total knee replacement are a few examples. This method of exercise keeps track of progress and makes sure that recovery is safe and effective. It can also assist in lowering the likelihood of sustaining additional injuries by locating weak points that could result in issues at other joints in the future.
An athlete’s muscle strength and function can be assessed with the help of isokinetic dynamometry. This can assist in determining areas of weakness or potential risk of injury, or guide training programs. This can also help athletes achieve peak performance and prevent injuries. We are able to zone in on which specific angles are weaker and may need more specific exercises to improve a patient’s ability to generate force.
ISOTONICS
Exercises performed under constant tension are isotonics. This is useful for training, coordination, control and endurance. After a long injury, our body can lose its proprioception and motor control, and the Biodex dynamometer can help patients coordinate, control, and endure using isotonics.
CONTINUOUS PASSIVE MOTION (CPM)
We use CPM to help a joint recover its motion and reduce swelling, particularly after surgery. The machine is set to tolerated limits, and it moves the joint at a predetermined speed. This pumping motion aids in reducing soreness and improving circulation. To progress it within your limits, we can increase the range by as little as one degree.
Who Would Benefit from Using the Dynamometer?
The Biodex dynamometer is best for individuals looking to further improve muscle performance and function. it is also used effectively for post-surgical rehabilitation like after ACL reconstruction (more information about ACL surgery recovery here) or a total knee or hip replacement.
Final Thoughts
Overall, our new dynamometer is a valuable tool for both assessment and exercise options. We use it for assessing muscle strength and function, guiding treatment planning and monitoring progress. While this method of exercise may not be appropriate for everyone, it can be effective for those seeking to improve muscle performance and function. If you are interested in incorporating our Biodex into your exercise program, ask anyone of us to determine if this is an appropriate option for you.
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