What is isokinetic exercise?
Exercise performed with a specialized apparatus that provides variable resistance to a movement, so that
no matter how much effort is exerted, the movement takes place at a constant speed. Such exercise is
used to test and improve muscular strength and endurance, especially after injury.
Controlled Speed
The speed of exercise on the cycle is preset by the user. Speed selection is based on the objectives of
the exercise program and, in the case of orthopedic and athletic rehabilitation, the treatment goals as
determined by a clinician. Once the speed is selected, the cycle cannot be accelerated beyond that speed.
Cranking harder produces more resistance, not higher pedal crank speed.
Accommodating Resistance
The cycle provides resistance exactly equal to the force exerted by the user. This applies throughout the
entire range of the cycling motion. Fluctuations in force output in any phase of the revolution are
immediately accommodated by the cycle. Not only is this feature ideal for increasing muscular strength,
but in rehabilitation applications it makes exercise extremely safe and comfortable.
The Cybex 530 Cycles employ three groups of programs:
1. Bike Programs
2. Fitness Programs
3. Speed Programs
Each of the program groups work with the cycles resistance modes:
1. Bike Programs
are used to simulate outdoor cycling. As in outdoor cycling the effort level increases
with pedal speed. With the Bike mode programs the blinking dot at the center of the dot matrix display
corresponds to the workload for that level at 80 rpm. Should the user pedal faster, more LEDs will light
and be displayed in the history. The same is also true for pedal speeds less than 80 RPM.
2. Fitness Programs
are constant-power based where the user pedals at their own pedaling rate while the
cycle determines the amount of force required at the pedal to maintain the workrate dictated by the
program. The Fitness programs are designed as constant power programs to ensure that the overall
workload is maintained regardless of pedal RPM. This provides a highly repeatable program outcome
as the user will naturally tend to select the RPM they are most efficient pedaling at.
3. Speed Programs
are isokinetic programs designed to motivate the user to achieve the worklevel
indicated in the program at the preset speed. These are excellent for building strength and muscular
endurance as isokinetic’s accommodating resistance allows the user to maintain pedal RPM throughout
the program as they experience fatigue.
Operation
Page 3-12
Cybex 530C and 530R Owner’s Manual
Meaning of Isokinetic
Programs
