Isokinetic testing is the only way to measure the maximum strength at every point in a body part’s range of motion. Through the use of an isokinetic machine, your physical therapist can accurately determine your strength and muscular endurance after an injury. These measurements are critical in meeting your recovery goals and charting the progress of your rehabilitation. Evolve Physical Therapy in Baton Rouge is one of the few PT practices that offers isokinetic testing which can completely enhance your recovery and get you safely back on the field, court, and course. Let’s take a closer look at how isokinetic testing works and its benefits.
How Does Isokinetic Testing Work?
For isokinetic testing, your physical therapist will test the strength and range of motion of both the injured and non-injured body parts. For example, if you’ve suffered a knee injury that requires surgery, the surgical and non-surgical leg will be measured to determine how much training and other therapies are necessary to achieve balanced strength on each side.
What is the HUMAC NORM Isokinetic Testing Process?
The HUMAC Norm is a device that effectively measures the strength of the muscles that are responsible for joint movements in the knee, ankle, and shoulder after an injury. With isokinetic curve results, areas of weakness and pain can be identified and the maximum dynamic capability within each of these kinetic systems. This process allows benchmarks to be established, goals to be set, and changes to be tracked. This data creates the most effective, healthy, and efficient treatment plan that can be adjusted accordingly for each individual; progressing rehabilitation, recovery, and a return to activity.
What are Ideal Isokinetic Scores for Lower Leg Injuries in Athletes?
If you’ve had surgery to repair an ACL injury or other lower leg issues, your isokinetic test should signal at least 80% of the strength in the quads and hamstrings of the injured leg compared to the unaffected leg. If surgery wasn’t required, but you are looking to know when running can resume, at least 70% of the strength in these muscles should be present compared to the healthy leg. Lastly, for a gradual return to action, a 66% score in the affected hamstring/quad ratio along with at least 90% of strength returning in the injured quads and hamstrings in comparison to the healthy limb means that you can begin to get back in action.
If you’ve suffered a sports injury your two most important priorities are safely treating it, and taking the right, healthy steps toward rehabilitating in order to return to doing what you enjoy. Physical therapy is a critical part of that process.
