ORIGINAL RESEARCH ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETRY IN ELDERLY WOMEN UNDERGOING TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Aquino M de A, Garcez-Leme LE. Isokinetic dynamometry in elderly women undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study. Clinics. 2006;61(3):215-22. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the reliability and validity of isokinetic dynamometry in the qualitative determination of the evolution of total knee arthroplasty. Cases: 20 patients whose mean age was 71.35 years, undergoing knee arthroplasty, and 25 controls whose mean age was 71.36 years. METHOD: Computerized isokinetic assessment of flexor and extensor muscles using a CYBEX ® 6000 dynamometer. RESULTS: The total flexor/extensor effort ratio for the treated side of patients vs the nondominant side of controls was not significantly different. The flexion/extension ratio concerning maximum torque for the treated side of patients vs the nondominant side of controls was significantly different. CONCLUSION: By detecting deficiencies in the balance of flexor and extensor muscles (a balance that is required for uniform gait), it will be possible to select specific rehabilitation exercises according to the individual needs of each patient undergoing surgery