Sports Tests
Biodex Test: Active Dynamometry
Overview
What does this test do?
This is a test of muscular strength; however it allows the strength of limbs on different sides of the body to be compared to each other thus allowing comparisons to be made between them. It is also possible to compare the strength of reciprocal muscle groups of the same limb to each other, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings in the upper leg.
The machine can be used to test most joints across the body. These include, the ankle, knee, hip wrist and shoulder. The results generated are in terms of the torque (or the turning force) that the muscle groups can create, as well as the range of motion over which the muscles are effective.
Such muscle strength and imbalance tests are vital for producing optimal performance and also for injury prevention. There are three main uses for such equipment.
Pre-season Muscular Screenings - Such a process allows the assessment of muscular strength balance across the body. It allows any weaknesses to be determined and training interventions put into place so as to prevent the weaknesses developing and manifesting itself as an injury. Such testing also allows the changes brought on by applied training programmes to be quantified, and for programmes to be modified and adjusted if required.
Rehabilitation - In the case of an athlete with an ongoing injury problem, regular muscular assessments can be a guide to the rehabilitation process. The development of strength can be tracked compared to pre injury levels or against the uninjured limb, and ultimately the suitability of the athlete status for a return to their sport can be assessed.
Links & Downloads
Wikipedia definition
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/muscle_contration
Jonathon Robinson's Comment
Training
The dynamometer can be used to deliver safe, effective, controlled and regulated training to individuals where both the quantity and quality of the work can be recorded and analysed.
In all three cases the results of such a test or session would be considered by a physiotherapist and /or an exercise physiologist, and appropriate recommendations made.
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