Isokinetic exercise system modification for short below-the-knee residual limbs.

Abstract

The use of isokinetic exercise has been shown to be an effective way of strengthening debilitated muscles. In the below the knee amputee, significant quadriceps and hamstring muscle wasting has been documented. Although isokinetic strengthening of the debilitated knee extensors and flexors in the below the knee amputee would be beneficial, there are no fully described isokinetic equipment modifications in literature that would allow a short below the knee amputee to effectively use isokinetic equipment. This article describes such a modification.