Isokinetic dynamometer is widely used during the various phases of bodily rehabilitation. It can be understood as a precision-based, electrical instrument that measures the performance of various muscle groups in the body. The various rehabilitation phases and the use of Isokinetic dynamometers in each of them has been explained below:



Phase One of Healing



This is when most Isokinetic dynamometers are used in the passive mode. Here, the machine measures the range of motion during simple, exercise activities. This helps to facilitate the overall healing of the various muscle groups. Most Isokinetic dynamometers today offer the Isometric mode. This is a special functionality wherein the strengthening of muscles and their testing for performance at various angles is emphasized. This healing phase is applicable to both pre-operative and post-operative rehabilitation processes.

Phase Two of Minimizing Inflammation

Here, the Isokinetic dynamometer is again used in the normal or the passive mode. The emphasis is on ascertaining the condition of the various muscle and ligaments around a particular joint and their ability to function for group muscle movements. This includes measuring the performance of these structures in facilitating the flow of blood and lymph, along with other fluids in and around the marked joint. To enable such functions, the Isokinetic dynamometer should be able to induce minimal or controlled movement of a limb at very safe angles-like just about 0.25 degrees/second.

Phase Three of Reinstating ROM

The Range of Motion is continuously monitored under various force inputs and the ROM is gradually restored by moving the limbs in specified directions, i.e. by employing the Isokinetic dynamometer's muscle-mobility options. Here, it is very critical that the attending physician or the technician is well-versed with using the speed and torque controls that are an integral part of all contemporary, computerized Isokinetic dynamometers. This form of rehabilitation is commonly advised to patients undergoing physiotherapy wherein a major muscle group has suffered an invasive, muscle-damaging injury.

Phase Four of Restoring Muscle Strength

The Isokinetic dynamometer's functions are used to precisely calculate the degree of mobility across every type of muscle grouping, including the isometric, sub-maximal, assistive and eccentric muscle contractions. The emphasis is more on strengthening the muscles by inducing minimal movements and not increasing the mobility. This is applicable to post-operative cases of rehabilitation.