Workforce Assessments: Why it is More Important Today than Ever

When it comes to workplace safety, it's more than just reacting to injuries and filing incident reports. It's all about taking a proactive approach to safety and preventing injuries, and one way to do that is by using isokinetic workforce assessments. These assessments are crucial for evaluating the physical abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of potential hires, making informed hiring decisions, and ensuring workplace safety. Isokinetics is the most proven method for objectively measuring dynamic muscle strength, functional capabilities, joint integrity, work-related function, physical endurance, and it plays a critical role in optimizing workforce costs.

Assess, Don’t Guess

We believe in the power of isokinetics and understand that many people struggle with physically demanding jobs due to strength, power, and endurance issues. That's why at DataFit, we follow an "Assess, Don’t Guess" philosophy. Our DataFit Physical Capabilities Assessment involves using an isokinetic dynamometer for an objective muscle performance test, which offers many advantages. This assessment can be used for pre-employment post-offer screening to pinpoint potential deficits and help prevent injuries.

What is a Isokinetic Dynamometer?

The isokinetic dynamometer test, also known as isokinetic dynamometry, is a test that uses a machine to measure the strength, endurance, power, and range of motion of muscles and major joints. It measures an individual's muscular strength capabilities. During the test, a dynamometer is attached to a limb, and the person pushes against it to maintain a set speed, and the machine records the results.

Isokinetic tests are great for objectively assessing muscle groups and joints, especially at the knee and shoulder. Given the high injury rates and costs associated with these joints, it's important to focus more on tests and methods for making hiring and job placement decisions.

Isokinetics can be used to:

• Compare the strength of a limb or total body before and after an injury.
• Identify differences between muscle groups or sides of the body.
• Prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
• Assess limb and total body strength required to perform a job task or activity safely.
• Guide rehabilitation programs and return-to-work evaluations.
• Assess readiness for or return to play, life, or work.

During the test, the dynamometer measures and controls the speed of joint movement during muscular contractions. The test can be performed at multiple angular velocities but is most commonly performed at 60, 180, and 300 degrees/second. These speeds are considered to closely approximate functional and work-related activity.

Isokinetic testing and interpretation form the foundation of DataFit services, consistently providing the necessary data and information to match employees with the physical requirements of the work, thus optimizing workforce costs and productivity.