We used an isokinetic dynamometer Cybex 600 (Cybex division, Lumex Inc, Ronkonkoma, New York, USA). A training period of four runs with five minutes rest was performed before the testing set.
The testing procedure included four flexions and four extensions with full range motion.
Because of the risks of muscles and tendons tearing at low speed, particularly with old people, we used the usual medium speed for each joint.
Flexion and extension of hip, wrist, and elbow and eversion and inversion of the ankle were tested in each patient and control.
Isokinetic testing was performed at 60°/s for the hip and ankle, at 90°/s for the elbow, and at 120°/s for the wrist.