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resulting in a window of 18 ft-lb (24.41Nm). Setting the window at 100 ft-lb (136Nm) results in
a window of 90 ft-lb (122.4Nm). Reactive Eccentric mode allows for direction changes at any
point in the range of motion.
Reactive Eccentric Mode Clinical Applications:
1. The Reactive Eccentric mode may be used to perform submaximal or maximal eccentrics.
2. The Reactive Eccentric mode may be used to work on proprioception. When torque limits are
set, the subject must exert at least one-tenth of the torque limit to keep the shaft moving. If
the subject exceeds the limits, the unit will stop.
3. At higher velocities the stretch reflex is more active than at lower velocities.
4. It is possible to generate 30-40% more force eccentrically than concentrically. (Set the
torque limits appropriately.) In that the stimulus for strength gain is contraction intensity, it
is suggested by some research that eccentric contractions will result in significant strength
gains. (Knuttgen, H.G., et. al., 1971; Komi, P.V., 1972).
5. There is patient specific eccentric speed above which muscular force will not increase.
(Knuttgen, H.G., et. al., 1972).
6. Eccentric contraction involves a “training” of the non-contractual elements of muscle
ensuring the muscle “learns” to function in a higher force environment. (Komi, P.V., 1972).
7. In eccentric exercise, the force increases as the velocity of contraction increases (up to a
certain point) that is in contrast to concentric exercise in which the force decreases as the
speed of contraction increases. (Davies, G.J., 1987.)
8. It has been suggested that eccentric exercise produces the greatest force in the least
amount of time (Komi & Cavanaugh, 1977).
9. Eccentric contractions enhance muscle force production and are less costly metabolically
than concentric contractions (Bosco & Komi, 1979, Asmussen, 1953).
10. Eccentric rehabilitation is usually performed no more than two times a week secondary to
delayed onset muscle soreness.
Additional Considerations
1. Very often clinicians use the following progression during the rehabilitation process: Passive
mode, isometrics, multi-angle isometrics, sub-maximal eccentrics, and concentric
isokinetics.
2. Electrical stimulation may be used in conjunction with any of the tests or activity modes on
the System 4.
3. Consider ending a rehabilitation set by work or time, especially if the goal is to improve
endurance.
4. Giving subjects copies of their rehabilitation reports can help with motivation.
5. Submaximal exercise prevents neural dissociation, promotes articular cartilage nourishment
and proprioception, and retards muscular atrophy.
6. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is not usually apparent until one to two days after
treatment. Work sub maximally to minimize and develop protocols accordingly.
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