Modifications for Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis With the Cybex Isokinetic Dynamometer

Abstract

In brief: Two modifications of the standard Cybex II isokinetic dynamometry system permit a more complete evaluation of muscular strength, endurance, and power output, while minimizing manual data analysis. The addition of an X-Y plotter to the Cybex system provides a graphic display that combines torque and joint position on a single graph. Strength data need not be limited to “peak torque” values, because the plotter permits muscular torque output to be analyzed bilaterally through the full range of motion without the need for manually transposing data from strip-chart records. The second modification is a dual-channel reciprocal work integration system that separately measures the muscular work output performed in each rotational direction of joint movement. This allows individual assessments of endurance or power output for each muscle group of a reciprocal pair in a bout of continuous reciprocal exercise.