Gravitational and joint loading during isokinetic exercise: rehabilitation considerations

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Baltzopoulos, V.^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitaan University, Alsager ST7 2HI, Manchester, UK

Abstract: Isokinetic movements are performed with maximum muscular effort resulting in maximal knee joint loading throughout the range of movement. The calculation of joint forces and therefore estimation of knee loading requires the accurate measurement of the moment exerted on the dynamometer and the gravitational moment acting on the system. The purpose of this study therefore was the examination of different methods for the measurement of the gravitational moment and the calculation of muscular and tibiofemoral forces during eccentric isokinetic knee exercises at angular velocities ranging from 0.52 to 2.62 rad s−1, using a biomechanical model of the knee joint.

Keywords: Isokinetic movements, Joint loading, Gravitational moment, Muscular and tibiofemoral forces

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1996-53-405

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 5, no. 3-4, pp. 131-134, 1996