An isokinetic exercise is a specific type of exercise that provides constant resistance to the power exerted against it at a constant speed no matter what level of power is used. The thought behind this approach is to promote the full free range of movement of the limb or joint with the highest amount of muscular contraction.
The most common type of apparatus that is used for isokinetic exercise is the stationary bike. The resistance set against the bike pedals is constant for the period in which the user pedals the bike. While the speed will vary because of the effort exerted on the pedals, this constant resistant will remain unchanged until the machine itself is adjusted.
Another type of isokinetic exercise that can be done with a standard resistant is the rowing machine. While the stationary bike is made just for the legs, the rowing machine is made to include the entire body. This is because all of the limbs of your body will be moving thru a full range of its motion. The specific resistance setting for the arms and legs are independent of each other, but they are set and constant while a person is using this type of device.
Neither of these examples can be considered a true isokinetic exercise in the real world outside of a gym because of the resistant factor. On a moving bike, the level of the surface is constantly changing so the resistance is also changing. For a person just recovering from an injury, this is not preferred.
The same can be said about the rowing machine. In a boat, the choppiness of a lake or sea surface will also vary in the resistances to the boat and the necessary force that is needed to keep the boat at a constant speed.
One of the leading reasons doctors and physical therapists recommend isokinetic exercise for those recovering from an injury is so the muscles will not become overly taxed. They will also have a greater level of control over the exercise thus preventing any injury from occurring.
The isokinetic exercise also allows for a better ratio of tension between the muscles and the tendons in a person limbs and joint areas. By exercising in the full range of possible motion, this effect can be maximized so it will become more efficient in the way a body can use it.
An isokinetic exercise is made for the limbs of a person, but they are not the only areas of the body that will benefit from them being preformed. These other areas of the body include the abdominal muscles, chest, the back and the lower buttocks. Each area will also be moving or supporting the body to some degree along with receiving the increased blood flow for the movement of the limbs.
As a person becomes accustomed to the current resistance of their isokinetic exercise machine, it can be adjusted upwards in an increased resistance level. This can only be done once the muscles of concern have reached a particular level as noted by a physical therapist or doctor. Changing the resistance level on your own is not advisable.
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