It’s a type of strength training that uses a special machine to measure the amount of force a person can generate. The machine can have a variable resistance, but it allows people to exercise at a constant speed, regardless of the level of resistance throughout the range of motion.
An example of isokinetic exercise would be using a stationary bike at a constant speed. Isokinetic training can also be seen in many common routines that include strength training with cables or machines to target any given muscle group.
It is typical to do isokinetic muscle contractions to rehabilitate injuries. Working on muscle strength around the injured area helps patients recover and expedites physical therapy.
Physical Conditions Requiring Isokinetic Exercise
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle tears & other injuries
- Post-surgery recovery
- Obesity
- Stroke recovery
History
Isokinetic exercise has been recognized since the late 1950s when it was introduced by Hettinger. It was originally known as “accommodating resistance exercise.” It differed from other forms of motion by permitting maximum muscle contraction throughout a joint’s full range of motion.
However, it took a while for this concept to become a success. There were very few isokinetic machines to be found anywhere before the 1970s. It was also after that point when the machines being developed became more popular for exercising.
Benefits of Isokinetic Exercise
- Leads to increased muscle strength, tone & endurance
- Minimal risk of injury since it requires controlled movements
- Expedites rehabilitation from physical injuries
Drawbacks of Isokinetic Exercise
- Since the muscles do not overcome any inertia while doing repetitions, isokinetic exercises fail to provide a similar potential to build muscle.
Isokinetic Exercise vs Isotonic Exercise
While isokinetic exercise focuses on maintaining a constant speed, isotonic exercise focuses on maintaining constant tension during the shortening and lengthening of a muscle. An example of an isotonic exercise is doing bicep curls or squats.
Isotonic exercises are much more prevalent while doing bodybuilding or powerlifting. On the other hand, isokinetic exercises are often seen when people do cardio.
Isokinetic Exercise vs Isometric Exercise
Isometric exercises are focused on maintaining a constant length of a muscle (or a static contraction). The best-known example is a plank.
