Multiple-Joint Isokinetic Dynamometry: A Critical Review

Abstract

Dvir, Z and Müller, S. Multiple-joint isokinetic dynamometry: a critical review. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 587–601, 2020—Angular isokinetic dynamometry (AID) is widely regarded as the gold standard for dynamic muscle performance testing. Based on the rotational movement of its actuator, AID targets “single-joint” (knee, shoulder, hip, etc.) configurations namely measurement of muscle potential while it moves the lever arm-limb assembly ostensibly around a single fixed axis. On the other hand, the application of multiple-joint isokinetic dynamometry (MID) is relatively narrow, both in research and in practice. This situation is due, possibly, to the fact that these dynamometers are generally more limited in scope namely to testing/conditioning of combined hip, knee, ankle motion (leg press), combined shoulder, elbow motion, and lifting motion patterns, despite the fact that all 3 are associated with higher functionality. However, with the emerging importance of MID, this critical review takes a fresh look at its various aspects including the terminology and classification of multiple-joint isokinetic dynamometers; the problem of scaling namely the need to adjust the range of motion and linear velocities to subjective anthropometric measures; specific technical and methodological issues that underlie the valid application of these dynamometers; available reference values; and the reproducibility of MID-based test findings. Analysis of these topics indicates that MID may validly and effectively be applied for the assessment and conditioning of specific muscle action patterns. However, there is a clear need for standardization of tests and for conditioning protocols alongside research into the use of this method in various clinical cohorts.

Reliability of isometric and isokinetic trunk flexor strength using a functional electromechanical dynamometer

“…Until now, the evaluation of trunk strength has been carried out by way of medicine-ball throws (Glenn et al, 2015), handheld dynamometers (Cowley et al, 2009; Paalanne et al, 2009; Newman, Pollock & Hunt, 2012) or isokinetic devices (Dervisevic, Hadzic & Burger, 2007; Mcintire et al, 2007; Roth et al, 2017). In these isokinetic devices, there is no evaluation protocol to know at what velocity and at what range of movement the evaluation should be performed (Dvir & Müller, 2019), even though there have been attempts (Dvir & Keating, 2001). Still, there are indications that low-velocity movements are more reliable for measuring trunk strength (Guilhem et al, 2014; Roth et al, 2017).…”

Isokinetic Strength in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Reliability Study

“…Isokinetic dynamometry is considered the gold standard for dynamic muscle performance testing [28,29]; thus, clinicians and researchers should be encouraged to use this device to conduct their physical function evaluations. Previous studies have reported the test-retest reliability of isokinetic measures in several populations different from patients undergoing dialysis.…”

Test-retest reliability of a functional electromechanical dynamometer on swing eccentric hamstring exercise measures in soccer players

“…Another option to evaluate the different types of muscle contractions includes angular isokinetic dynamometers (AID). Which are recognized as the gold standard for evaluating the eccentric strength of the knee flexor muscles, but lack practical utility in comparison with other devices (Opar et al, 2013a;Van Dyk, Witvrouw & Bahr, 2018;Dvir & Muller, 2019). AIDs, like the NHE, do not have transference to the actual playing actions that occur during the injury mechanism in soccer players, as the movement is focused only on the knee joint while the hip remains static throughout the entire run (Bourne et al, 2018).…”