Isometric exercises increase strength the most approximately 10 degrees on either side of the joint angle at which the exercise is performed. Isometric exercises can increase muscle strength but these increases are somewhat joint angle specific. However, when isometric exercises are performed against other types of resistance, high forces may be exerted making this type of exercise unsuitable early after any injury to the musculotendinous unit. Isometric exercises against resistance provided by the therapist are often preferred early in rehabilitation because they do not involve joint movement and the intensity of muscle contraction can be more closely monitored by the clinician. 5-8), immobilizing the patient with an isokinetic device or with a restraint, or when the therapist can exert sufficient force, by the patient pushing against unmoving resistance provided by the therapist. This can be achieved by pushing against an immovable object such as a wall ( Fig. To perform an isometric exercise, joint motion must be prevented. Isometric exercises (also known as static exercises) are performed by increasing tension in a muscle while keeping its length constant. Reiman, in Physical Rehabilitation, 2007 Isometric Muscle Strength Training. For example, resisted supination with pain in the anatomical snuff box may indicate a scaphoid fracture. 34 If the history has indicated that concentric, eccentric, or econcentric movements have caused symptoms, these different types of resisted movement should be tested, but only after the movements have been tested isometrically.

For example, if resisted isometric radial abduction of the thumb causes pain on the ulnar side of the wrist, the pain may be due to tendinitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle (i.e., extensor carpi ulnaris synergy test) as it acts with flexor carpi ulnaris to synergistically stabilize the wrist. The movements must be isometric and must be performed in the neutral position ( Figs. Not all resisted isometric movements need to be tested, but the examiner must keep in mind that the actions of the fingers and thumb and the wrist are controlled by extrinsic muscles (wrist, fingers, thumb) and intrinsic muscles (fingers, thumb), so injury affecting these structures requires testing of the appropriate muscles.

Magee PhD, BPT, CM, in Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 2021 Resisted Isometric MovementsДЄs with the active movements, the resisted isometric movements to the forearm, wrist, and hand are done with the patient in the sitting position.

Do isometric exercises