Open Chain Isokinetic Assessment and Exercise of the Knee

This paper reviews the concepts associated with isokinetic open chain assessment and exereise of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups. Following a review of the isokinetic concept of exercise, the paper addresses principles of assessment and exercise of the knee, including the importance of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular screening, warm-up, body position, stabilization, and joint alignment. Gravity correction, test and exercise velocity, and duration of exercise are also addressed. Interpretation of an isokinetic evaluation of the knee is also addressed within the context of force—velocity relationships, peak torque relative to body weight, and bilateral and reciprocal muscle group relationships. Joint range of motion and test velocity are also discussed with respect to patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint forces. Finally, recommended protocols for isokinetic assessment and exercise of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups are presented. Article: Isokinetic resistance is a dynamic, fixed-velocity, and accommodatingresistance form of exercise. The primary advantage of isokinetic resistance is that a muscle group may be exercised to its maximum potential throughout the knee joint's entire range of available motion. Isokinetic exercise may be used to quantify the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups' abilities to generate torque or force and is also useful as an exercise modality in the restoration of either muscle group's preinjury level of strength. A comprehensive review of the theory and clinical application of isokinetic exercise and assessment for all major joints of the body may be found