What does isokinetic mean?

• A. Exert resistance against the muscle as it moves through a range of motion, at a steady rate of speed.
• B. Combine movement of the joints with contractions of the muscles.
• C. Use muscle tension to improve strength with little movement.
• D. Include aerobic rhythmic activities for extended periods.

Answer: (A)

Isokinetic movement keeps the limb moving at a constant speed through the entire range of motion, with the device providing as much resistance as needed to maintain that steady pace. That’s why the description of exerting resistance while the movement occurs at a steady rate best matches isokinetic exercise—the speed is controlled, and the resistance adapts to keep it constant, typically using specialized equipment like isokinetic dynamometers. Other phrases describe different concepts: combining joint movement with muscle contractions is a general dynamic, not speed-controlled, description; using muscle tension with little movement is isometric; and aerobic rhythmic activities refer to cardio endurance rather than controlled-speed resistance.