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Isometric Mode – In this mode, the dynamometer maintains zero velocity at any selected point
in the range of motion. Significant change in joint angle and overall muscle length does not
occur.
Isometric Mode Clinical Applications:
1. The Isometric mode may be used pre- or post-surgery with discretion.
2. The Isometric mode may be used near a painful range for strength carryover into the painful
range. Overflow has been found to be plus or minus as much as 10 degrees.
3. Isometric holds can be checked for quality of contraction. Monitoring these can help set
goals and monitor progress.
4. The Isometric mode can be used very effectively to initiate contractions sub maximally.
Make sure to stabilize other body parts to prevent compensation. Relaxation can be assisted
by the application of heat, cold, or biofeedback.
Isotonic Mode – In this mode, the dynamometer requires the patient to meet a minimum
selected torque limit in order to move the input attachment. Thus, speed is variable but torque
is constant.
Isotonic Mode Clinical Considerations:
1. The Isotonic Mode may be used concentrically or eccentrically to train a selected muscle
group.
2. Torque limits may be set independently (in each direction) for agonist/antagonist muscle
groups in order to focus the activity on one specific muscle group or compensate for
dominance in strength of either the agonist or antagonist muscle group.
3. In this mode it is possible to set a “pre-load” for the patient to overcome prior to movement.
This ensures that the patient is performing the contraction with a minimal amount of force.
4. Concentric/concentric isotonics can be completed before concentric/eccentric movements.
This improves safety for the patient as the limb will not be forcibly moved into any portion
of the range of motion should the patient not have ample neuromuscular control.
The Reactive Eccentric Mode – In this mode the dynamometer responds to torque exerted by
the patient by moving in the opposite direction of the applied torque.
In Reactive Eccentric or mode, the <Torque> buttons on the Control Panel are used to specify a
window of desired human force output. To initiate shaft motion, the subject is required to meet
a minimum torque threshold corresponding to 10% of the <Torque> button setting. If the
subject exceeds the torque limit value selected for either direction of motion, the shaft stops
rotating until the subject’s force output is reduced to within the desired range. The subject is
therefore required to exceed a specified torque value to achieve motion, and to keep torque
output at the specified level to continue movement.
Low torque limits require greater neuromuscular control. Setting a torque limit of 20 ft-lb
(27Nm) will require 2 ft-lb (2.72Nm) of force to initiate motion and 20 ft-lb (27Nm) to stop,
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