P&P #14. The Concept of Isokinetic Exercise and Testing Is Misleading and Inaccurate.
Isokinetic testing, research and exercise is very popular in fields such as sports physiotherapy, but too infrequently do the users question the concept that it is impossible for any mechanical device to facilitate isokinetic exercise. Isokinetic (constant 'velocity') exercise is impossible for many reasons, the prime one being that all human motion begins from rest and returns to rest. In other words, there always HAS to be acceleration and deceleration on every so- called isokinetic dynamometer.
This the more honest machine manufacturers readily acknowledge and they advise that one concentrates on the 'constant velocity' range of the device. However, injuries are very commonly associated with changes of state, such as acceleration or deceleration. We also know that isokinetic action is a rarity in any athletic activities (even swimming), so why does so much analysis of joint action rely on pseudo-isokinetic devices which are very costly and highly specific?
Another point:
Do the users all know if the 'constant velocity' is constant speed, constant linear velocity, constant angular velocity, constant velocity of muscle contraction or what? Discuss the problems associated with the use of isokinetic (really, quasi-isokinetic) testing and exercise. Pay particular attention to its specificity of action and the effect of the acceleration and rate of force development (or change) phases that generally are ignored.
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