What is isokinetic exercise?5 answersIsokinetic exercise involves movement at a constant speed against variable resistance, ensuring maximal muscle force output at different exercise angles. It is beneficial for muscle strength training and rehabilitation. Isokinetic training can improve muscle performance, physical function, and endurance, especially in cases like meniscal injuries and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The use of isokinetic dynamometers in rehabilitation programs allows for targeted correction of muscle deficits and enhances muscle strength and endurance. Studies have shown that isokinetic exercises, when combined with neuromuscular/proprioceptive programs, can significantly improve muscle performance and physical function, making them a valuable intervention in rehabilitation protocols. Isokinetic exercise is crucial for controlled and effective muscle training and recovery in various pathologies.
Are there similar gains in hypertrophy between isometric and dynamic training ?5 answersDynamic resistance training (DRT) has shown to be more effective in increasing muscle cross-sectional area compared to isometric resistance training (IRT). However, both DRT and IRT have demonstrated improvements in muscle strength and hypertrophy. Isometric strength training (IST) at 70–75% of maximum voluntary contraction with sustained contractions has been linked to muscle hypertrophy. Additionally, studies have reported significant gains in muscle thickness and strength with both high-intensity resistance training and low-intensity resistance training with partial vascular occlusion. While DRT may lead to greater hypertrophy gains, both IRT and IST have shown positive effects on muscle strength and size, indicating that both training modalities can contribute to hypertrophy, albeit with potential differences in effectiveness.
Isometric exercise is good for any sprain?5 answersIsometric exercise has shown effectiveness in treating sprains, particularly ankle sprains. Research has demonstrated that isometric exercises, such as those involving the use of an isometric therapy tool or Headway rehab exercises, can significantly improve muscle strength, stability, and proprioception in individuals with acute or chronic ankle sprains. Isometric testing has also been utilized to detect early changes in peak torque after acute ankle sprains, aiding in monitoring rehabilitation progress. Additionally, isometric exercise is beneficial for individuals rehabilitating from injuries, helping to maintain muscle condition. Therefore, incorporating isometric exercises into a rehabilitation program can be beneficial for individuals with sprains, especially ankle sprains, by enhancing stability, strength, and overall recovery.
Isometric exercise and blood pressure4 answersIsometric exercise has been shown to have a significant effect on reducing blood pressure (BP) in various populations, including older adults, hypertension patients, and individuals with different resting BP levels. Isometric exercise training (IET) has been found to induce significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic BP. Mechanistically, IET has been shown to reduce total peripheral resistance (TPR) and improve autonomic vasomotor control, which are primarily responsible for the BP reductions observed. Additionally, IET has been found to decrease resting heart rate and increase stroke volume, while not significantly affecting cardiac output. The effectiveness of IET may vary depending on the mode of exercise, with wall squat interventions showing the most clinically relevant differences in BP reductions compared to handgrip and leg extension exercises. Overall, isometric exercise has demonstrated its potential as an antihypertensive intervention and can be beneficial for individuals with hypertension or elevated BP levels.
Do isometric exercise improve flexibility?5 answersIsometric exercise can improve flexibility.
What are the benefits of isometric exercises for pain?4 answersIsometric exercises have been shown to have several benefits for pain management. In patients with cervical spondylosis, isometric exercises were found to significantly reduce pain and disability compared to conservative management without exercise. For acute low back pain, isometric exercise using ATM®2 was found to have an immediate and short-term effect, particularly in patients with an extension-type pattern. Isometric strengthening exercises were also found to have a significant effect on pain intensity, range of motion, and functional ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, isometric exercises were found to be effective in reducing pain and reversing muscle strength in patients with lower limb fractures. These findings suggest that isometric exercises can be a beneficial treatment option for pain management in various musculoskeletal conditions.