The isokinetic evaluation has been used in the last three decades as a method to determine both the strength functional pattern and the muscle balance. In our environment, this evaluation has been spread over the last 10 years. It is possible to quantify absolute values of torque, effort, and power of muscle groups, and to determine relative values, that is, the agonist/antagonist proportion of such groups. Another valuable resource of this evaluation may be used as an auxiliary method in the rehabilitation of sports lesions. The examination is performed with a constant and preset angular speed, that is, low, intermediate, and/or high speed. Most isokinetic studies are applied to the knee. In the sports practice, the agonist/antagonist muscle balance, that is, the flexor/extensor balance represented, respectively, by the ischiotibial muscle/quadriceps plays an important role. On the other hand, the comparison between the absolute values of the muscle function for the left and right sides is also relevant. Changed results usually relate to sports lesions or their sequels. The development of an objective and safe method to evaluate the muscle functionality which provides for reliable and reproducible results is of utmost importance to athletes and to multidisciplinary teams. Also significant are the results obtained from isokinetic tests, which may be useful to establish criteria for athletes to resume and practice sports activities after lesions. This review aims at addressing some practical aspects of the isokinetic evaluation in the knee and its use in individuals performing sports activities.
Isokinetics; Isokinetic evaluation; Knee; Sports medicine; Muscle balance