title: Isokinetic dynamometry in elderly women undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study assessed the reliability and validity of isokinetic dynamometry in the qualitative determination of the evolution of total knee arthroplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  20 patients whose mean age was 71.35 years, undergoing knee arthroplasty, and 25 controls whose mean age was 71.36 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computerized isokinetic assessment of flexor and extensor muscles using a CYBEX 6000 dynamometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total flexor/extensor effort ratio for the treated side of patients vs the nondominant side of controls was not significantly different. The flexion/extension ratio concerning maximum torque for the treated side of patients vs the nondominant side of controls was significantly different.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By detecting deficiencies in the balance of flexor and extensor muscles (a balance that is required for uniform gait), it will be possible to select specific rehabilitation exercises according to the individual needs of each patient undergoing surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, São Paulo University Medical School, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Amorim Aquino
authors.forename: Luiz Eugênio Garcez
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Leme
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology; D019415:Torque