Strength and muscular endurance can be measured extremely accurately through the use of an isokinetic machine, the data from these tests can then be used to help us to plan a patient’s rehabilitation activities.
These devices are particularly effective at measuring the strength of muscles that govern the movements of joints (shoulder, knee and ankle) following an injury.
The test is always performed by comparing the results from two limbs, this allows us to quantify the deficit as a percentage of original strength, giving us a more clear goal to reach.
Control tests are scheduled to measure the progress towards 100% recovery, which is considered a prerequisite to returning to sport. Ensuring muscles have had their original strength and tone restored is also a crucial component of re-injury prevention.