title: The Biodex isokinetic dynamometer for knee strength assessment in children: advantages and limitations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To critically appraise the Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer for strength assessment of children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Appraisal was based on experiences from two independent laboratories involving testing of 213 children. Issues were recorded and the manufacturer was consulted regarding appropriate solutions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The dynamometer had insufficient height adjustment for alignment of the knee for some children, requiring the construction of padding to better fit the child within the dynamometer. Potential for entrapment of the non-testing leg was evident in the passive and eccentric modes and a leg bracket restraint was constructed. Automated gravity correction did not operate when protocols were linked or data was exported to an external device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Limitations were noted, some of which were applicable to knee strength testing in general and others which were specific to use with children. However, most of these obstacles could be overcome, making the Biodex System 4 suitable for assessment of knee strength in children.
authors.affiliation: Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Margarita D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Tsiros
authors.forename: Paul N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Grimshaw
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Shield
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Buckley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer / Q000009:adverse effects; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000502:physiology*; D012449:Safety