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Evaluation of the cushion setting on performance of a Biodex II dynamometer
W Ling1, F C Chen, A L McDonough
1Department of Physical Therapy, New York University, NY 10010, USA.
Objectives:
To compare the effects of the soft cushion setting with those of the hard cushion setting of a Biodex II isokinetic dynamometer on peak velocity and peak torque with six loads at 23 preset speeds.
Design:
Mixed within- and between-groups, repeated-measures design.
Setting:
Research laboratory of a physical therapy education program.
Interventions:
Each load was strapped onto the right knee attachment of the dynamometer and was dropped through a 100 degrees arc of motion five times at each preset speed using the soft and hard cushion settings.
Main Outcome Measures:
Peak velocity, peak torque, time to peak velocity, time to peak torque.
Results:
Peak velocity was significantly influenced by the cushion setting, the weight dropped, and the preset speed. Maximal peak velocity achieved was 400 degrees/sec. Peak torque was influenced significantly by the cushion setting, the load, and the preset speed. Maximal peak torque measured was 34.99 kg-m.
Conclusion:
The rotating shaft of Biodex II dynamometer moved at a slower speed through the entire arc of motion at the soft cushion setting and often failed to achieve a constant, preset speed. Peak torque measured using the soft cushion setting was more variable and therefore questionable.