Isometric Testing and Analysis

Definition: a test whereby a participant is required to produce a maximal force or torque by pushing against a resistance that is immovable. In our care, we have an isometric test machine for the lower limb (leg press), and trunk (front and back – abdominal and back muscles).

The primary benefit of isometric testing is that both healthy and injured patients are able to perform the testing, which is often not the case for other isotonic or 1-rep-max testing typically employed. Furthermore, this test saves time for the patient and therapist and gives our team a great baseline of strength. Our equipment/machines in particular also provide bio-feedback to the users and therapists to ensure the safety and correctness of the testing and exercise.

In addition to testing, our machines can be used during exercise to help improve eccentric and concentric contraction of muscles, therefore enhancing the control of muscle movement and contraction. This also helps muscle function and muscle awareness regain (mechanoreceptors and proprioception). They allow trainers to control the range of motion and angle of positioning and both patient and trainer can view coordination development and performance.

Leg Press/Trunk Extension and Flexion Machine

As mentioned above, the Leg Press / Trunk Extension and Flexion Machine is used as part of our isometric testing approach as well as part of our rehabilitation exercise and therapy.

One of the highlights of this machine is that it displays a sinus curve that allows our therapists to set the speed at which the patient exercises. It also allows us to adjust the range of motion of the joint – benefitting as there are certain injuries that limit the range of motion, which needs to be rehabilitated. Following the speed of the sinus curve leaves little room for error and significantly reduces the risk of over-exercise. On top of that, patients (especially those injured on a respective limb / location / muscle) are taught how to control muscle contraction and neuromuscular recruitment.

Unexpected Disturbance and Stochastic Resonance

The neuromuscular system is a channel for signal transmission between the central nervous system. After injury or surgery, our neuromuscular system is affected and disturbed. This will affect muscle function and endurance, flexibility and range of motion. Rehabilitation is important because it helps to regain neuromuscular efficiency and function to prevent further injury.

At Terramed Physio & Rehab, we use the unique method (pioneered by our founding team) of Unexpected Disturbance Program (UDP) to accommodate and enhance our physiotherapy and sports therapy programs. UDP exercises incorporate unexpected and/or random disturbances from either Stochastic Resonance Therapy (SRT) machine or manually applied visual stimulus while executing an exercise or technique. The aim of UDP is to create stimuli that require short random perturbations of the body’s equilibrium and result in involuntary movements with a short latency period. This helps to mimic the nature of real-life competitive sporting situations and provides specific challenges to the sensorimotor function of the injured body area to help speed up neuronal recovery.

Centralised Data Management

IPN Test Suite allows central data management and enables the trainer to upload training data into each patient’s own exclusive card.  These cards are slotted into the exercise machines via a monitor connected to the machine, and gives full details of patients’ exercise programs. The cards allow the trainer to track training/rehabilitation progress by graphing out test results to view the progress of rehabilitation. It allows bike and treadmill testing. The bikes and treadmill are connected to the computers and display the intensity, heart rate and condition of the patient.

Through this data management, the team at Terramed has access to a patient’s recovery performance across a wide range of testing equipment and can provide reports demonstrating these to the patients and treating physicians. This provides transparency and the accountability that Terramed staff towards the rehabilitation of our customers.