Abstract

This paper presents the setup, methods and results of an inventory made to determine which institutions in the Netherlands use isokinetic dynamometers, with which purpose they do so, and which procedures they follow. It was estimated that at the date of the inventory, 40 institutions were using this equipment. All of them received a questionnaire, of which 32 replied, 29 of the replies were analysed. It turned out that the equipment was used primarily in research and training for rehabilitation purposes, particularly in cases of knee pathology. Many institutions were unable to state clearly which place the isokinetic tests occupied in the overall test of the patient, and how they valued the results of the test. Moreover, the followed procedures showed considerable variety, even in aspects of the test that may affect the outcome. There was also considerable diversity in the speeds and number of repetitions used in the isokinetic test of the different joints. The results of this inventory lead to the conclusion that standardization of isokinetic measurement is necessary. It is a prerequisite for turther elaboration of the value of isokinetic assessment in clinical practice, by means of applied research. Verf.-Referat