Isokinetic cycle ergometer--application in sports medicine.

Paper deals with application of fully computerized isokinetic cycle ergometer with on-line registration of effective crank force in sports medicine, namely in functional diagnostic and rehabilitation. The system allows to carry out the time and position course analyses of effective pedal force and power produced at various revolution rates. Maximal or mean values of force and power produced by action of right and left leg may be used for the estimation of strength as well as for detection and quantitative assessment of lateral functional deficit for example due to injury. Short term bouts on isokinetic cycle ergometer may be applied as an effective means for the improvement of strength of lower extremities in patients as well as in competitive cyclists. The estimation of individual fluctuation of effective force (i.e. differences between maxima at horizontal and minima at vertical crank position) may be used for the evaluation of pedalling technique. Short term all-out efforts at various cadences allow to register not only peak and mean force and power at particular revolution rates, but also to estimate an optimal individual revolution rate, i.e. those allowing to produce highest power output. Such information can be employed for diagnostic assessment of anaerobic capabilities, namely in cyclists. Isokinetic cycling with self-controlled effort may be also used as a comfortable aerobic exercise. It may be concluded that isokinetic cycle ergometer represents a valuable diagnostic as well as therapeutic tool, which may be utilized in several areas of sports medicine.