27
The Passive Mode – The Passive mode allows the dynamometer to provide continuous motion
at constant velocity, with direction changes occurring only when range of motion limits are
reached. In Passive mode, the dynamometer initiates motion when the <Start> button is
pressed, requiring no
active participation by the subject.
Passive Mode Clinical Applications:
1. The Passive mode is frequently used post-operatively for the benefits of continuous passive
motion, which assist with nourishment of the joint.
2. The Passive mode may be used isokinetically in the agonistic direction and passively in
the antagonistic direction or vice versa.
3. The Passive mode may be used to exercise or test isokinetically. Subjects that cannot meet
the speed will be passively moved through this portion of the range.
4. The Passive mode may be used for passive stretching. When this is performed, the torque
limits in each direction should be set low. If the subject feels uncomfortable, they may
resist the motion and the unit will stop (e.g., if the clinician is trying to increase knee
flexion, the subject will be passively flexed). If at any time the subject is uncomfortable,
the flexion movement may be resisted and isometrically exceed the toward torque limit.
This will stop the unit. The <Pause> buttons can also be used to hold the patient at the end
ROM corresponding to the direction the pause is set.
5. For knee, shoulder flex/ex, ab/ad, and lumbar movements, ensure torque limits are set
to
overcome limb weight.
6. Passive motion may be used to warm-up and cool-down a subject, stretching ROM, and
to
perform contract/relax protocols. Used during rest periods, passive motion can help
prevent muscles from “tightening up” before the next set of repetitions.
7. By instructing the subject to move the limb at a speed that will keep the Away and
Toward
Applied Torque Indicator ON and the middle Applied Torque Indicator OFF, the
Passive mode can be used to provide biofeedback and stimulate joint and muscle
mechanoreceptors
to improve proprioception.
8. In the case of poor muscle strength, passive mode allows for active assistive motion that
will initiate or continue motion of the subject.
9. Contract/Relax may be performed in the Passive mode. Range of motion limits are
selected
to include the entire range the subject should be able to achieve that day. It is
recommended
that the <Set Limb Weight> buttons are set no more than five degrees
outside of the beginning range. Percent Range dials are decreased to an appropriate level
ensuring the entire range is comfortable. The subject is placed on the unit with the
comfort stop in hand. As the subject is passively moved in one direction, force is exerted
in the opposite direction. The torque limit in the opposing direction must be set low
enough ensuring that the subject exceeds the limit and performs an isometric
contraction. At this time, the clinician slightly increases the range of motion using
the Percent Range dial in the appropriate direction. The procedure is repeated
for as
many cycles as desired.
10. Immediately after exercise, some subjects exhibit joint effusion. Application of ice while
moving passively at 20 degrees per second has been reported to reduce post exercise
swelling and discomfort. This may also be performed in conjunction with electric
stimulation to further assist edema control.
To Next Page
Loading...
