Isotonic exercises involve joint movement with constant muscle tension, allowing the muscle to contract and change length during the exercise. This type of exercise is designed to improve strength, endurance, and flexibility by engaging muscles through a full range of motion.
A common example of isotonic exercises is isotonic ankle plantar flexion, which involves pointing the toes downward while maintaining consistent tension in the calf muscles. This movement helps strengthen the muscles of the lower leg, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, by making them work against a constant load.
Isotonic exercises can be further categorized into two types: concentric contractions, where the muscle shortens as it contracts (such as lifting a weight), and eccentric contractions, where the muscle lengthens while under tension (like lowering a weight).
These exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation programs, general fitness routines, and strength training, as they efficiently target various muscle groups and promote joint mobility.