163k views
3 votes
What are the benefits of isokinetic (resistive) exercises?

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Isokinetic exercises offer benefits such as increased muscle strength and hypertrophy, muscle endurance, joint stability, and more controlled rehabilitation with less joint stress. These exercises are particularly effective for increasing muscle fiber size through myofibril growth and ensuring even muscle work with constant contraction speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Isokinetic exercises, often used in physical therapy and athletic training, involve resistance movements where the muscle's contraction speed remains constant throughout the range of motion. These exercises offer numerous benefits, including the enhancement of muscle strength, muscular endurance, and joint stability. Specifically, isokinetic exercises promote the growth of myofibrils, resulting in the thickening of muscle fibers and hypertrophy. This type of exercise helps in creating powerful and effective muscle contractions through high rates of ATP hydrolysis and cross-bridge formation, mainly in fast glycolytic (FG) fibers, which are predominant in muscles used for power.

Moreover, isokinetic training can aid in injury rehabilitation, ensuring that muscles are worked evenly and reducing the risk of overexertion. Additionally, the controlled motion used during these exercises often results in less stress on the joints and connective tissues. Isokinetic exercises, by maintaining a constant speed, ensure that the targeted muscles receive optimal resistance throughout the entire range of movement, which can be particularly beneficial for improving muscular balance and coordination.

User Lucas Smith
by
8.4k points