STATIC EXERCISE

Static exercise also known as Isometric exercise is a form of exercise in which a muscle contracts and produces force without an appreciable change in the length of the muscle and without visible movement in the angle of joint. We can understand as ‘ISO’ means same and ‘METRIC’ means length, i.e., there will be no apparent change in the length of muscle.

Sources of external resistance for this exercise include a manually applied force, a weight held in a static joint position, body weight or an immovable object. (i.e pressing the palms together in front of the body or pushing against a wall or door.)

During isotonic contraction strength will increase if it is sustained against resistance for at least 6 seconds and a set of 20 per day.

Types of isometric exercise: –

Several forms of isometric exercise can be used to serve different therapeutic purposes during successive phases of rehabilitation. Some of them are

i. Muscle setting exercise – This exercise involves low intensity isometric contractions against little or no resistance at all. They are used to decrease muscle pain and spasm. It also promotes relaxation and improves circulation during the acute stage of healing after soft tissue injury. Setting exercises can slow muscle atrophy and can maintain between muscle fibres when a joint is immobilized to protect healing tissues during the early phase of rehabilitation.

ii. Stabilization exercise – this is used to develop a submaximal but sustained level of co contraction to improve postural stability. Stabilization exercises typically consists of isometric contractions against resistance in antigravity or weight – bearing positions if weight bearing is permissible. External resistance is usually provided by body weight or applied manually.

iii. Multiple -angle isometric – this term refers to a system of isometric exercise in which resistance is applied at multiple joint positions within the available ROM.

Contraindications: –

High intensity isometric exercises are contraindicated for patients with a history of cardiac or vascular disorders.