Since I posted my previous letters on the use of alternative terms such as
DCER, "auxotonic" and "allodynamic" for the unsatisfactory word, "isotonic",
to describe movement in which muscle tension and length is changing, I have
received private correspondence which suggests that there is indeed the need
for a better term to be decided upon.
It seems to be fairly well accepted that the term "isometric" is still quite
suitable to describe the situation in which joint angle does not change or
joint action in which the distance between the distal and proximal
attachments of the muscles remains constant, but the terms for the more
dynamic conditions appear to be far less unequivocal.
Having concluded that DCER (Dynamic Constant External Resistance) is just as
problematic and inappropriate as "isotonic", possibly we need to examine
prefixes which allow us to approach a better solution to the dilemma. For
example, the term "vario-" or the Greek prefix "allo-" meaning "changing"
would be appropriate in this regard.
Thus we could have, "variotonic" or variometric" muscle action, or
"allotonic" or "allometric" muscle action. Both of the terms, "auxotonic"
and "allodynamic", have certain major linguistic flaws, so maybe the time has
come to seriously move towards a single optimal term to replace "isotonic".
Any comments on my suggestions above or any other proposals are welcome.
Dr Mel C Siff
Denver, USA
[log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|