Reliability of a new stabilization device for measurement of muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The hand-held dynamometer (HHD) is a reliable and portable tool for quantitatively assessing muscle strength. However, a number of variables, including the strength of the tester, the adequacy of stabilization, and the selected testing position, can affect the reliability of the device. The objective of the present study was to examine the reproducibility and inter-rater reliability of strength assessments using HHD with and without a stabilization device. METHODS: Strength assessments were conducted with and without the stabilization device by two independent raters. Healthy volunteers with no history of musculoskeletal disorders were included in the study. The strength of the shoulder flexion, scapula elevation, knee extension, and hip abduction muscle groups was evaluated using HHD. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using intra-class correlation (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. RESULTS: Fifty-two healthy volunteers (age 21.51 ± 2.02 years) participated in the study. The reproducibility was found to be excellent (ICC = 0.89-0.99). While reliability between the assessors was good to excellent (ICC = 0.85-0.93), reliability between assessors and device was found moderate to good (ICC = 0.48-0.78). DISCUSSION: The strength values obtained for all directions of movement with the stabilization device were found to be significantly higher than those obtained without fixation of the HHD. It can be concluded that the data obtained from the assessors and HHD with stabilization device are not comparable. Moreover, the utilization of a stabilization device may serve to enhance the reliability of the measurements by eliminating the rater effect.

Examination and reliability of measuring muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion with knee extended.

[Purpose] A hand-held dynamometer (HHD) is less expensive than the isokinetic muscle strength measurement device, and research using HHD is gradually increasing. However, measurement is performed only at a low muscle strength level at which the heel does not take off or heel detachment occurs; therefore, fixation of the foot becomes a problem. This study aimed to determine the validation of measuring ankle plantar flexion strength (with the knee extended) using HHD. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy adults (14 males and 6 females) participated in this study. The chair used in this study was for swallowing videofluorography, which was fixed to a wall bar by the belt. The sensor was located at the third metatarsal head. After warming up, the participants sat in a long sitting position on the chair. We conducted the test two times. We used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis to assess reliability. [Results] The ICC(1, 1) and ICC(2, 1) results were all greater than 0.9. No fixed and proportional errors were present. [Conclusion] The measurement method of this study was both intra- and inter-examiner reliabilities, which were high, and we suggest that sufficient clinical application is possible.

Lower limb muscle strength of the affected side in stroke patients is an accurate predictor of the need for a KAFO.

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of recovery is essential to determine whether a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is required in the subacute phase of stroke. However, there are currently no reliable methods to predict such recovery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether muscle strength of the affected lower limb (affected side LL strength) in stroke patients in the subacute phase who cannot walk without a KAFO can be used to predict the continuous need for a KAFO, using a hand-held dynamometer. METHODS: We enrolled patients with severe hemiplegia (n = 51) who were unable to walk without a KAFO for 10 days after stroke onset. They were divided into two groups depending on the continuous need for a KAFO at 1 month after onset; the KAFO and non-KAFO groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate whether the affected side LL strength was a predictor of the continuous need for a KAFO at 1 month after onset. In addition, significant predictors were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The KAFO and non-KAFO groups included 23 (45.10%) and 28 (54.90%) patients, respectively. The affected side LL strength and pusher syndrome severity were identified as predictors of the continuous need for a KAFO. The predictor with the highest predictive ability was the affected side LL strength, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Affected side LL strength may be a highly accurate predictor of the need for a KAFO in the subacute phase of stroke.

Immediate and localized effect of Kinesio tape on the hand grip strength of sedentary female adults.

The current study aimed to assess the immediate and localized effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) on hand grip strength. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 sedentary female university students (aged 18-23) divided into two groups of 30 subjects each. The experimental group received KT with 50% tension of the tape on the forearm and 100% tension on the hand, and the control group received a placebo application of KT (KT without tension on the hand and forearm). Hand grip strength was assessed before and immediately after applying KT using a hand-held dynamometer with a one-minute rest between trials. The experimental group detected a significant improvement in hand grip strength during the post-intervention stage compared to the control group (mean difference 9.72 Lbs; 95% CI, -12.90 to -6.54; P<0.05) with a medium effect size. In addition, a significant improvement in handgrip strength was observed between pre-intervention and post-intervention in the experimental group (mean difference 6.5 Lbs.; 95% CI, -7.58 to -5.42; P<0.05) with a high effect size. However, the control group failed to show significant improvement in handgrip strength between pre-and post-intervention (P=0.666). KT application on the hand and forearm immediately augmented the hand grip strength of the dominant hand in sedentary female university students.

Agreement Between Isokinetic Dynamometer and Hand-held Isometric Dynamometer as Measures to Detect Lower Limb Asymmetry in Muscle Torque After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Two commonly used instruments to assess muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are the isokinetic dynamometer, which measures isokinetic torque and the hand-held dynamometer, which measures isometric torque. Isokinetic dynamometers are considered superior to other instruments but may not be commonly used in clinical settings. Hand-held dynamometers are small, portable, and more clinically applicable devices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess agreement between a hand-held dynamometer and an isokinetic dynamometer, used to assess lower limb symmetry in knee muscle torque one year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Study design: Cross-sectional measurement study. Methods: Seventy-two participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction (35 men, 37 women; age= 25.8 ± 5.4 years) were included. Isokinetic muscle torque in knee flexion and extension was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Isometric flexion and extension knee muscle torque was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Bland & Altman plots and Cohen's Kappa coefficient were used to assess agreement between measurements obtained from the instruments. Result: Bland & Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement between the instruments for both flexion and extension limb symmetry index. Cohen´s Kappa coefficient revealed a poor to slight agreement between the extension limb symmetry index values (0.136) and a fair agreement for flexion limb symmetry index values (0.236). Cross-tabulations showed that the hand-held dynamometer detected a significantly larger number of participants with abnormal flexion torque limb symmetry index compared to the isokinetic dynamometer. Conclusion: The wide limits of agreements and Cohen's Kappa coefficients values revealed insufficient agreement between the measurements taken with the two instruments, indicating that the instruments should not be used interchangeably. The hand-held dynamometer was more sensitive in detecting abnormal limb symmetry index in flexion torque, which promotes the option of use of hand-held dynamometers to detect differences between the injured and uninjured leg after ACL reconstruction. Level of evidence: 3b.

Reliability of hand-held dynamometer in measuring gluteus medius isometric muscle strength in healthy population.

Objectives: To determine the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the hand-held dynamometer in measuring isometric gluteus medius muscle strength in asymptomatic healthy population. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted at the department of physiotherapy, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from March 2021 to April 2021. Thirty healthy subjects aged 18 to 25 years of both sexes and no previous or current complaints of hip or knee pain were included through non-probability purposive sampling technique. The strength of the unilateral isometric gluteus medius muscle was measured using a hand-held dynamometer by two raters at the same day and a week later. Pearson Correlation coefficient was calculated to see the relationship of muscle strength measured by each rater within and between day's sessions. Intra-class correlation was calculated with 95% confidence interval and Standard error of measurements using reliability analysis. Results: In the present study there were thirty participants studied by two raters, the mean age of participants was 21.53 (SD=±1.40) years, the mean BMI was 24.05 (SD=±1.12) kg/m2 and 70% participants were female and 30% were males. This study showed the mean muscle measurement of participants within days was 12.92 (SD=±0.94), with intra-class correlation ICC (2,2) 0.94 and SEM 0.12 and mean muscle measurement of patients between days was 12.99 (SD=±0.91), with intra-class correlation ICC (2,2) 0.90 and SEM 0.12.. Conclusion: Hand-held dynamometer has shown excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability in measuring isometric strength of Gluteus Medius muscle among healthy population. It is convenient to be used in clinical settings and can be a useful outcome tool to assess strength in interventional studies.

Test-retest reliability of isometric ankle plantar flexion strength measurement performed by a hand-held dynamometer considering fixation: examination of healthy young participants.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability of isometric ankle plantar flexion strength measurements performed by a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) using two belts and a newly devised fixation plate. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 83 healthy individuals (female, n=31; male, n=52) with an average age of 20 years. An HHD (µTas F-1) sensor was fixed using two belts and a newly developed metal device to the measurement site on the dominant foot of a participant who was in a sitting position. Measurements were performed twice for each participant. [Results] The average value was 65.6 kgf (bodyweight ratio, 127.3%) for female and 88.0 kgf (136.9%) for male participants. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the two measurements were 0.915 for female and 0.938 for male participants. The minimum detectable change at 95% was 10.1 kgf (12.1% of the average value) for female and 12.1 kgf (15.4%) for male participants. [Conclusion] The test-retest reliability of measuring the ankle plantar flexion strength performed by an HHD using a belt and plate is high. Therefore, the increase or decrease in muscle strength should be judged based on the minimal detectable change with 95% confidence.

Reliability and Validity of the ActivForce Digital Dynamometer in Assessing Shoulder Muscle Force across Different User Experience Levels.

Background: Currently available hand-held dynamometers (HHD) offer a more objective and reliable assessment of muscle force production as compared to a manual muscle test (MMT). Yet, their clinical utility is limited due to high cost. The ActivForce (AF) digital dynamometer is a new low-cost HHD with unknown psychometric properties, and its utilization may benefit clinical practice. Hypothesis/Purpose: This study aimed to determine the AF intra- and inter-tester reliabilities, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), and criterion validity for assessing shoulder isometric force as compared to the microFET2 (MF2) across testers with different experiences. Design: Descriptive observational study. Methods: A convenience sample of 29 healthy adults were assessed twice by each of three testers (two experienced clinicians and a novice PT student) on shoulder external rotation (ER), internal rotation (IR), and forward elevation (FE) using both the AF and MF2 devices. Tester, HHD, and shoulder motion assignment orders were randomized. All testing was performed in a standardized seated position. ER and IR were tested with the shoulder fully adducted. FE was tested at 45° at the scapular plane. All testing and rest periods between testers and tested motions were standardized and monitored via a stopwatch. Results: Both devices had high intra- [ ER (.95-.98), IR (.97 - .99), FE (.96 - .99)] and inter-tester [ ER (.85-.96), IR (.95 - .97), FE (.88 - .95)] intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with comparable intra- (1.68-1.80) and inter-tester (2.36-2.98) SEM, and intra- (4.64-4.97) and inter-tester (6.50-8.24) MDC values across all motions. Tester experience did not affect these values. High (.89-.93) statistically significant Pearson correlations were found between HHDs for all shoulder motions. Conclusion: Both the AF and MF2 HHDs were found to have high reliability levels across all shoulder motions regardless of tester clinical experience. The AF was also found to be valid for measuring shoulder isometric force production compared to the criterion standard device, the MF2. Its low-cost and electronic accessibility features may promote better compliance for clinicians using dynamometry to objectively assess and store muscle force data in a cost-effective manner. Level of Evidence: 3.

The impact of variation in the device used to measure grip strength on the identification of low muscle strength: Findings from a randomised cross-over study.

Grip strength is commonly used to identify people with low muscle strength. It is unclear what impact the type of dynamometer used to measure grip strength has on the identification of low muscle strength so we aimed to assess this. Study participants were 118 men and women aged 45-74y from a randomised, repeated measurements cross-over study. Maximum grip strength was assessed using four hand-held dynamometers (Jamar Hydraulic; Jamar Plus+ Digital; Nottingham Electronic; Smedley) in a randomly allocated order. EWGSOP2 cut-points were applied to estimate prevalence of low muscle strength for each device. Agreement between devices was compared. Prevalence of low muscle strength varied by dynamometer ranging between 3% and 22% for men and, 3% and 15% for women. Of the 13 men identified as having low muscle strength by at least one of the four dynamometers, only 8% were identified by all four and 54% by just one. Of the 15 women classified as having low muscle strength by at least one of the four dynamometers, only 7% were identified by all four and 67% by only one. Variation in the measures of grip strength acquired by different hand-held dynamometers has potentially important implications when identifying low muscle strength.

Normal Baseline Values for Isometric Shoulder Strength in Scaption for Healthy Filipino Individuals in the 20-30 year Age Group.

INTRODUCTION: Isometric shoulder strength is vital in the management of individuals suffering from shoulder diseases such as rotator cuff tears. Normal values for the working Filipino population who are at risk of developing shoulder problems are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the isometric baseline isometric shoulder strengths in scaption of healthy Filipino individuals aged 20-30 years old without a history of a shoulder injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study measuring the isometric strength values using the handheld IDO isometer of dominant and non-dominant shoulder of healthy Filipino individuals aged 20 to 30 years old. RESULTS: There is no significant difference in the mean isometric shoulder strength between the dominant and non-dominant arm for both sexes. The male gender scored higher values compared to the female gender and is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in isometric shoulder strength between the dominant and non-dominant shoulder. Strength differences favour the male gender.

Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability of Strength Measurements Using a Pull Hand-Held Dynamometer Fixed to the Examiner's Body and Comparison with Push Dynamometry.

Hand held dynamometers (HHDs) are the most used method to measure strength in clinical sitting. There are two methods to realize the assessment: pull and push. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a new measurement modality for pull HHD and to compare the inter-rater reliability and agreement of the measurements. Forty healthy subjects were evaluated by two assessors with different body composition and manual strength. Fifteen isometric tests were performed in two sessions with a one-week interval between them. Reliability was examined using the intra-class correlation (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM). Agreement between raters was examined using paired t-tests. Intra- and inter-rater reliability for the tests performed with the pull HHD showed excellent values, with ICCs ranging from 0.991 to 0.998. For tests with values higher than 200 N, push HHD showed greater differences between raters than pull HHD. Pull HHD attached to the examiner's body is a method with excellent reliability to measure isometric strength and showed better agreement between examiners, especially for those tests that showed high levels of strength. Pull HHD is a new alternative to perform isometric tests with less rater dependence.

Validity and reliability of the DiCI for the measurement of shoulder flexion and abduction strength in asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects.

BACKGROUND: A higher risk of shoulder injury in the athletic and non-athletic population is frequently associated with strength deficits. Therefore, shoulder strength assessment can be clinically useful to identify and to quantify the magnitude of strength deficit. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a DiCI (a new hand-held dynamometer) for the measurement of shoulder flexion and abduction strength in asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects. METHODS: Forty-three recreational athletes (29 males and 14 females; age: 22.1 ± 0.47 years; body mass: 68.7 ± 13.1 kg; height = 173.3 ± 9.7 cm) and 40 symptomatic subjects (28 males and 12 females; age: 49.9 ± 8.1 years; body mass: 70.6 ± 14.3 kg; height = 171.7 ± 9.0 cm) completed shoulder flexion and abduction strength tests in two identical sessions one-week apart. Both types of movement were evaluated at 45º and 90º. RESULTS: Relative reliability analysis showed excellent intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for all evaluated movements (ICC range = 0.90 to 0.99). Absolute reliability analysis showed a standard error of measurement (SEM) ranging from 1.36% to 2.25%, and minimal detectable change (MDC) ranging from 3.93% to 6.25%. In conclusion, the DiCI is a valid and reliable device for assessing shoulder strength both in recreational athletes and in subjects with restricted mobility and loss of strength.

Pattern of muscle strength improvement after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in multifocal motor neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION: In multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), knowledge about the pattern of treatment response in a wide spectrum of muscle groups, distal as well as proximal, after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) initiation is lacking. METHODS: Hand-held dynamometry data of 11 upper and lower limb muscles, from 47 patients with MMN was reviewed. Linear mixed models were used to determine the treatment response after IVIg initiation and its relationship with initial muscle weakness. RESULTS: All muscle groups showed a positive treatment response after IVIg initiation. Changes in SD scores ranged from +0.1 to +0.95. A strong association between weakness at baseline and the magnitude of the treatment response was found. DISCUSSION: Improved muscle strength in response to IVIg appears not only in distal, but to a similar degree also in proximal muscle groups in MMN, with the largest response in muscle groups that show the greatest initial weakness.

Normal Baseline Values for Isometric Shoulder Strength in Scaption for Healthy Filipino Individuals in the 20-30 year Age Group

@#Introduction: Isometric shoulder strength is vital in the management of individuals suffering from shoulder diseases such as rotator cuff tears. Normal values for the working Filipino population who are at risk of developing shoulder problems are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the isometric baseline isometric shoulder strengths in scaption of healthy Filipino individuals aged 20- 30 years old without a history of a shoulder injury. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study measuring the isometric strength values using the handheld IDO isometer of dominant and nondominant shoulder of healthy Filipino individuals aged 20 to 30 years old. Results: There is no significant difference in the mean isometric shoulder strength between the dominant and nondominant arm for both sexes. The male gender scored higher values compared to the female gender and is statistically significant. Conclusion: There is no difference in isometric shoulder strength between the dominant and non-dominant shoulder. Strength differences favour the male gender.

Associação entre força de preensão manual e indicadores nutricionais em pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico / Association between handgrip strength and nutritional indicators in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre a força de preensão manual (FPM) e indicadores nutricionais em pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico do Oeste da Bahia. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com pacientes adultos e idosos, cadastrados em uma unidade de hemodiálise do Oeste da Bahia. Foi aplicado questionário estruturado com questões referentes às condições sociodemográficas e realizada análise das variáveis antropométricas, de composição corporal, clínicas e bioquímicas. A FPM foi medida do lado não fistuloso com um dinamômetro hidráulico da marca SAEHAN® (Saehan corporation ­ SH5001). A análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio do software Stata 13.1. Resultados: Foram avaliados 113 pacientes, com predominância do sexo masculino (60,55%) e faixa etária de 35 a 59 anos (57,52%). Foram encontradas associações positivas entre a altura e a FPM, sendo que quanto maior a altura, maior é a força (p = 0,020). O maior peso corporal após sessão de hemodiálise também se apresentou associado à maior FPM (p = 0,002). A medida da prega cutânea tricipital mostrou associação inversa (p = 0,007) e o ângulo de fase foi positivamente associado à FPM (p = 0,018). Conclusão: A força de preensão manual foi associada positivamente a altura, peso corporal após sessão de hemodiálise e ângulo de fase. Em contrapartida, a FPM associou-se negativamente à prega cutânea tricipital. (AU)

Objective: To assess the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and nutritional indicators in patients undergoing hemodialysis in western Bahia State, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with adult and elderly patients attending a hemodialysis unit in western Bahia. A structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic questions was administered, and anthropometric, body composition, clinical, and biochemical variables were analyzed. HGS was measured on the non-fistula side using a Saehan® hydraulic dynamometer. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 13.1. Results: A total of 113 patients were evaluated, most of whom were male (60.55%) and aged between 35 and 59 years (57.52%). Positive associations were found between height and HGS; the higher the patient height, the higher the HGS (p = 0.020). Higher post-dialysis body weight was also associated with higher HGS (p = 0.002). Triceps skinfold thickness was inversely associated (p = 0.007) with HGS, whereas phase angle showed a positive association (p = 0.018). Conclusion: HGS was positively associated with height, post-dialysis body weight, and phase angle but negatively associated with triceps skinfold thickness. (AU)

Preliminary validation of a mobile force Sensing device for clinical and telerehabilitation.

Muscle strength and force production are important measures of patient progress during physical rehabilitation. Reliable and objective measurements are important to ascertain throughout rehabilitation. Current methods-manual muscle testing, electromechanical dynamometer, and hand-held dynamometer-are accurate and reliable, but have limitations that prevent wide implementation. As healthcare systems adapt to more patient-centered outcome models, changes to the delivery of rehabilitation, whether at-home or in the clinic, must also change to become more cost effective and accessible and provide quantifiable information regarding patient progress. We developed a novel Force Sensing (FoSe) device to quantify either tensile or compressive isometric muscle strength. The device was tested in a laboratory setting with healthy participants (n = 32) and compared to the commonly used hand-held dynamometer (HHD). Participants used both devices to perform several common isometric muscle tests including: hip abduction, knee extension, knee flexion, shoulder external rotation, and shoulder internal rotation. Compared to the HHD, FoSe was found to be an accurate and reliable measurement of force production. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.89 without a magnitude dependent variation in force measurement. A second round of clinical testing with a patient population is warranted to determine FoSe's ability to measure clinically relevant asymmetry and progress over time. Further usability testing also needs to be conducted to determine the adequacy of FoSe for at-home use by both patients and clinicians.

Validity and reliability of isometric knee extension muscle strength measurements using a belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer: a comparison with the measurement using an isokinetic dynamometer in a sitting posture.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of isometric knee extension muscle strength measurements using a belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer compared to that using an isokinetic dynamometer with the participant in a sitting posture. [Participants and Methods] Forty-two university students participated. The isometric knee extension muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer and an isokinetic dynamometer. For both measurements, the participants were in the similar sitting posture. The sitting posture maintained trunk stability, with the hands on the bed, and the non-measurement-side toe touching the floor or table. The intra-class correlation coefficient and the relevance were verified. [Results] Intra-rater correlation coefficient (1, 1) of the two measurements was ≥0.75. A significant difference was found in the measurement value between males and females. No significant difference was found between the measurements value of the two devices. A significant positive correlation was found in the measurement value of two devices in the male participants. [Conclusion] When compared to the standard method of isometric knee extension muscle strength measurements using an isokinetic dynamometer with the participant in the sitting posture, measurements using the belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer were considered valid and highly reliable in the male participants.

Reliability and validity of eccentric strength measurement of the shoulder abductor muscles using a hand-held dynamometer.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the validity and intrarater and interrater reliability of eccentric strength testing of the shoulder abductors using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) versus an isokinetic dynamometer. DESIGN: Methodological. SETTING: Research laboratory and athletic training room. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven asymptomatic shoulders of 25 participants were tested in 2 sessions by 2 physiotherapists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eccentric strength of the shoulder abductors was measured from 120° to 30° scapular plane abduction using the HHD and isokinetic dynamometer. A gyroscope was used to validate the velocity. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. RESULTS: The measurement protocol showed excellent intrarater (ICC[3,3] = 0.987, SEM = 2.59 Nm and MDC = 7.18 Nm) and interrater (ICC[3,3] = 0.990, SEM = 2.28 Nm and MDC = 6.32 Nm) reliability. HHD and isokinetic dynamometer measurements were strongly correlated (rho = 0.760, p < .001). Velocities during HDD testing were similar to those of the isokinetic dynamometer (30°/s) (p > .050). CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric strength testing of the shoulder abductors using an HHD is a valid and reliable method that can be used for research and clinical purposes when an isokinetic dynamometer cannot be used.

Isometric knee muscle strength measurement using a belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer and an isokinetic dynamometer with and without trunk fixation: investigation of agreement of measurement values and factors influencing measurement.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the agreement between the values obtained by using a hand-held dynamometer with a belt (belt-HHD) and an isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) for the measurement of isometric knee flexion and extension muscle strength. We also studied the factors influencing the measurement. [Participants and Methods] Overall, 26 healthy young adults (16 males, 10 females) participated in the study; the mean age was 21 years. Knee flexion and extension muscle strength were measured by three methods: 1) belt-HHD, 2) conventional IKD with the participant sitting on an attached chair (conv-IKD), and 3) modified IKD with the participant sitting on the same mat table as HHD (mod-IKD). [Results] In the measurement of knee extension, mod-IKD and conv-IKD showed a fixed bias and a proportional bias, conv-IKD and belt-HHD showed a fixed bias, and belt-HHD and mod-IKD showed a fixed bias. In the measurement knee flexion, conv-IKD and mod-IKD showed a proportional bias, belt-HHD and conv-IDK showed a fixed bias, and mod-IKD and belt-HHD showed a fixed bias. In each combination, the measured values were larger in the latter due to errors. However, the types and values of errors differed when analysis was conducted based on gender. [Conclusion] In order to increase the agreement between the values, it is necessary to revise the fixing method of the trunk, and the fixing method of the belt and the sensor pad in belt-HHD.

Effects of the WISH-type S-form Hip Brace on Muscle Strength in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip: A Short-term Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: The WISH-type S-form hip brace (WISH brace) has been shown to significantly improve hip function, functional mobility, and gait biomechanics in patients with hip osteoarthritis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of the WISH brace over time on the strength of muscles around the hip and knee joints. METHODS: A prospective short-term longitudinal study with a 6-month follow-up was conducted. Muscle strengths were measured using a handheld dynamometer. RESULTS: The muscle strengths of hip flexion, hip abduction, and knee extension were lower in the affected limb than in the unaffected limb, whereas hip adduction muscle strength was reduced to the same extent in both the affected and unaffected limbs. This short-term longitudinal study revealed that only hip adduction and knee extension exhibited significant interaction between legs and time when measurement was performed without the WISH brace. Furthermore, the inherent hip abduction muscle strength of the affected limb was improved by the WISH brace so that the strength became the same as the unaffected limb. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in abduction muscle strength of the affected limb by daily walking exercise with the WISH brace, which occurred with little interaction with the unaffected limb, may improve hip function.