Abstract
Background: Isokinetic evaluation and training are commonly used. Hemodynamic response during this type of exercise is unknown and therefore usually not recommended in some patients (elderly, patients with risk factors or with cardio-vascular disease). The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic response during a classical testing and training isokinetic session.
Method: 20 healthy young male participated to this study. The hemodynamic response wa continuously and non invasively (Task Force Monitor) measured on a Cybex Norm (knee extension and flexion). The hemodynamic parameters were systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and cardiac output (Q).
Results: A low speed (60°/s) test was more exhausting than one at higher speed (180°/s) which is probably related to its duration. Whereas rest periods seemed sufficient for muscle recovery allowing during training, maintenance of performance over the different sets, changes in hemodynamic parameters (HR, SBP & Q) were observed over successive sets and did not recover totally during rest. Systolic ejection volume did neither change nor contribute to the increase of cardiac output (+ 70 to 84% compared to rest). Values measured during test and training were high but not excessive (HR max=135 ± 20 bpm or 70% of HRmax predicted; SBP max=185 ± 26 mmHg; Q=11.2 ± 2.2 l/min).
Conclusions: Values measured during test and training are high but not excessive. Isokinetic training in cardio-vascular risk patients should be composed of shorter set duration and longer rest periods as generally applied, without loosing maximal muscle contraction over the entire rage of motion.