HUR Smart Training - East Devon Physical Therapy

HUR Strength Training and Isometric Strength Testing in Axminster

If you’re looking for a more accurate, objective way to measure strength and guide rehabilitation, our HUR strength and testing systems allow us to do both: test properly, then train with a clear plan.

At East Devon Physical Therapy (Axminster, EX13 5PQ), we use HUR as part of an evidence-informed approach: assessment first, then the right combination of treatment and progressive strength work so you get meaningful change — not vague “it feels a bit better”.

HUR strength training (built for rehabilitation)

HUR is designed for rehabilitation and medical environments, where we want strength work that is:

Pneumatic air resistance (Plain English)

Unlike traditional gym machines that use weight stacks, HUR uses pneumatic air pressure to create resistance.

That matters because air resistance can feel:

smoother and more controlled through the full range of movement
more joint-friendly (less reliance on momentum or “clunky” loading)
easier to match to your current ability, especially early in rehab
easier to progress in small, sensible increments — which is often what makes rehab successful long-term
We still train hard when it’s appropriate — but the goal is to make strength work safer, more repeatable, and better tolerated, so you can keep building week to week.

What is isometric strength testing?

Isometric strength testing measures how much force you can produce without moving the joint (a static contraction).

That’s useful in rehab because it can help us:

Why a seated, fixed testing machine matters (Plain English)

A lot of strength testing in clinics is done with small handheld devices. They can be useful — but the results can change depending on:

the therapist’s strength and ability to “hold” the test
the exact joint angle used
the lever length and positioning
how stable you are during the test
small differences in setup between sessions
With a proper seated machine, your position is stabilised and the setup is consistent. That means the measurement is more about your strength and less about the tester, the angle, or the “feel” of the moment.
This is one of the reasons we use HUR systems for isometric testing: it’s designed to make testing more accurate, repeatable, and clinically useful.

What we use HUR testing and training for

HUR-based strength training and isometric testing can be helpful for a wide range of rehab and performance goals, including:

knee and hip rehab (including post-op)
tendon rehab (when we need a clear loading plan)
persistent pain cases where confidence and objective progress matter
return to running / sport decision-making
falls prevention and strength reconditioning
neurological rehab where consistency and safety are key

If you’re not sure whether strength testing is appropriate for you, we’ll talk it through and keep it relevant — not “testing for the sake of testing”.

What happens in an appointment?

Typically, we will:

Start with an assessment (your symptoms, goals, medical history, movement, and what’s limiting you)
If appropriate, complete baseline strength testing in a controlled seated position
Explain what the numbers mean in plain English (and what we’ll do about them)
Build a plan: targeted strength work + rehab progressions
Re-test at appropriate points to confirm you’re moving forward
You don’t need to be “strong already” to do this — the whole point is to meet you where you are and progress safely.

Evidence-led care (Not hype)

You’ll see a lot of gym-style messaging around testing and strength tech. Our approach is simple:

If HUR testing and training isn’t the right tool for your situation, we’ll tell you honestly and recommend a better approach.

HUR training and testing near you (East Devon, Dorset & Somerset)

HUR strength training and isometric testing are available at our Axminster clinic, and we regularly help patients travelling from Seaton, Lyme Regis, Honiton, Sidmouth, Chard, Exeter, Bridport, Yeovil, Dorchester and Taunton.