Muhammad Manan Haider Khan, Tahir Masood.
Isometric Strength Training Improves Knee Symptoms and Function as Evaluated with IKDC.
Int J Rehab Sci Jan ;05(02):44-8.

Background : Physical activity positively influences health in individuals regardless of age and gender. Sports play an integral role in physical, mental, and social health. One of the most common complaints due to sport participation is knee pain which may lead to reduced muscle strength and athletic performance. Restoration of muscle strength may improve symptoms and function in such individuals. Objectives: the aim of this novel study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamometer-based isometric strength training at different angles in athletes with knee pain. Methods: A single-group pretest-posttest design was used to investigate the effects of knee isometric strength training on symptoms, sports activities, and function in athletes with knee pain. A total of 20 athletes were recruited for this study. the average age of the athletes was 23.45 ± 5.71 years (Range: 18 - 35). Mean body mass of the athletes was 62.03 ± 7.97 kg (Range: 49.9 - 73.9). the athletes completed the isometric strength training by using Biodex System 3 Pro Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. NY, USA).The training comprised 10 sessions of isometric contractions performed at 3 angles of knee flexion: 30, 45, and 60 for both quadriceps and hamstrings. the frequency of training was 3-4 times a week. International Knee Documentation committee IKDC 2000 subjective knee evaluation form was used to assess the functional status and symptoms of the athletes at baseline and after completing the training. Results: the average IKDC score was 46.432 (range: 29.88 - 62.06) at baseline and 81.64 (range: 70.58 - 89.41) after completion of 10th session which shows a significant improvement (P < 0.001). in terms of individual items of the IKDC, all items displayed significant improvement (P < 0.001) except for two. Conclusion: It has been shown that dynamometer-based isometric strength training significantly improves knee symptoms, level of sports activities, and function in patients with athletic knee pain.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com