SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Muscle Strength Dynamometer”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Associations between walking time, quadriceps muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

The aim of this study was to examine whether there are any associations between walking time, quadriceps muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Thirty-one patients with RA and 26 patients with AS belonging to Steinbrocker's functional class I-II were examined. Cardiovascular capacity was calculated from the expired air during a bicycle test and quadriceps muscle strength by the peak torque from an isokinetic dynamometer test. Walking time was the time it took to walk a distance of 160 m on a flat floor and to climb up and down a staircase. In patients with RA, flat floor walking and stair climbing times correlated inversely with quadriceps muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity. Similar results were seen in patients with AS, although the association between cardiovascular capacity and stair-climbing time was not statistically significant. Multiple regression analysis was performed for all patients with quadriceps muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity applied as independent variables in two separate models. Cardiovascular capacity explained 32% and quadriceps muscle strength 21% of the variance in flat floor walking time. Quadriceps muscle strength, together with diagnosis and age, explained 38% of the variance in stair-climbing time, and cardiovascular capacity together with age and pain explained 36% of the variance. In conclusion, in spite of cardiovascular capacity and quadriceps muscle strength being associated with walking times, the findings suggest that they play only a modest role in explaining rapid walking on flat floor and in stairs.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1991

Modified sphygmomanometer versus strain gauge hand-held dynamometer.

The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of elbow flexor muscle strength obtained with a modified sphygmomanometer (MS) and a strain gauge hand-held dynamometer (HHD). Thirty-two healthy subjects performed two isometric contractions of about five seconds against each device. Repeated measurements with each device did not differ significantly and were correlated (r greater than .960) and reliable (intraclass correlation coefficients greater than .960). The means of two measurements obtained with each device were related in a curvilinear manner (R = .882), with MS measurements above 210 mmHg rising more slowly than corresponding HHD measurements. Although supporting the reliability of each device, the results suggest that the devices do not provide comparable measurements throughout the range of the MS. The MS may not be the best choice for obtaining accurate strength measurements of stronger individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

A comparison of make and break tests using a hand-held dynamometer and the Kin-Com.

The assessment of muscle strength is a task performed frequently by physical therapists. The purposes of this study were to determine whether intrasession test-retest reliability differs between make and break tests and strength tests that do not require an assessor (eg., isometric Kin-Com test) and hand-held dynamometer (HHD) assessments. The elbow flexor strength of 32 healthy, female volunteers was measured under four test conditions: Kin-Com make and break, and HHD make and break. Two measurements were performed for each test condition by the same rater. The results showed: 1) measurements obtained using the HHD deviated from a normal distribution, 2) comparable reliability coefficients for the make and break tests were obtained from the Kin-Com device, 3) there was a higher reliability coefficient for the make test compared with the break test for the HHD tests, and 4) the measured forces for the break tests were higher than the make tests. The results support the premise that hand-held dynamometry is a viable alternative to more costly modes of isometric strength measurements, provided the assessor's strength is greater than that of the specific muscle group being measured.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Proximal humeral fractures with minimal displacement treated conservatively.

We reviewed 27 patients with a minimally displaced proximal humeral fracture treated conservatively after a mean follow-up of 25 (12-34) months. All fractures had united. Patients were evaluated using the Constant-Murley scoring system, and isokinetic muscle strength was tested using a Cybex dynamometer. Finally, all shoulders were examined ultrasonographically. The mean Constant score for all patients were 81 (54-100). Twenty-three patients had no or only mild pain, while three had moderate and one severe pain necessitating regular use of oral analgesics. Twenty patients were able to perform all activities of daily living, but seven had mild trouble in overhead activities and weight carrying. Only in one patient, the abduction peak torque equalled the one of the opposite shoulder. In all other patients, the peak torque was lower than, and in 14 patients below, 50%. In nine patients, rotator cuff tears were seen at ultrasonography.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Sustained maintenance of exercise induced muscle strength gains and normal bone mineral density in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a 5 year follow up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate at 5 years whether an initial 2 year home based strength training period imposes sustained effects on muscle strength, bone mineral density (BMD), structural joint damage, and on disease activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Seventy patients were randomised either to perform home based strength training with loads of 50-70% of repetition maximum (EG) or range of motion exercises (CG). Both groups were encouraged to take part in aerobic activities 2-3 times a week. Maximal muscle strength of different muscle groups was measured by dynamometers, and BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine by dual x ray densitometry. Disease activity was assessed by the 28 joint disease activity score, and joint damage by x ray findings. RESULTS: 62 patients completed 2 years' training and 59 patients attended check up at 5 years. Mean (SD) maximum muscle strength indices increased from baseline to 2 years-in EG from 212 (78) kg by a mean (95% CI) of 68 (55 to 80) and in CG from 195 (72) kg by 35 (13 to 60) kg-and remained at that level for the next 3 years. Development of BMD in EG tended to be more favourable than that in CG. Muscle strength training was not detrimental to joint structures or disease activity. CONCLUSION: The patients' exercise induced muscle strength gains during a 2 year training period were maintained throughout a subsequent self monitored training period of 3 years. Despite substantial training effects in muscle strength, BMD values remained relatively constant. Radiographic damage remained low even at 5 years.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Cervical radiculopathy: pain, muscle weakness and sensory loss in patients with cervical radiculopathy treated with surgery, physiotherapy or cervical collar. A prospective, controlled study.

This prospective, randomised study compares the efficacy of surgery, physiotherapy and cervical collar with respect to pain, motor weakness and sensory loss in 81 patients with long-lasting cervical radiculopathy corresponding to a nerve root that was significantly compressed by spondylotic encroachment, with or without an additional bulging disk, as verified by MRI or CT-myelography. Pain intensity was registered on a visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle strength was measured by a hand-held dynamometer, Vigorometer and pinchometer. Sensory loss and paraesthesia were recorded. The measurements were performed before treatment (control 1), 4 months after the start of treatment (control 2) and after a further 12 months (control 3). A healthy control group was used for comparison and to test the reliability of the muscle-strength measurements. The study found that before start of treatment the groups were uniform with respect to pain, motor weakness and sensory loss. At control 2 the surgery group reported less pain, less sensory loss and had better muscle strength, measured as the ratio of the affected side to the non-affected side, compared to the two conservative treatment groups. After a further year (control 3), there were no differences in pain intensity, sensory loss or paraesthesia between the groups. An improvement in muscle strengths, measured as the ratio of the affected to the non-affected side, was seen in the surgery group compared to the physiotherapy group in wrist extension, elbow extension, shoulder abduction and internal rotation, but there were no differences in the ratios between the collar group and the other treatment groups. With respect to absolute muscle strength of the affected sides, there were no differences at control 1. At control 2, the surgery group performed some-what better than the two other groups but at control 3 there were no differences between the groups. We conclude that pain intensity, muscle weakness and sensory loss can be expected to improve within a few months after surgery, while slow improvement with conservative treatments and recurrent symptoms in the surgery group make the 1-year results about equal.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Bone geometry in response to long-term tennis playing and its relationship with muscle volume: a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study in tennis players.

The benefit of impact-loading activity for bone strength depends on whether the additional bone mineral content (BMC) accrued at loaded sites is due to an increased bone size, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) or both. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the aim of this study was to characterize the geometric changes of the dominant radius in response to long-term tennis playing and to assess the influence of muscle forces on bone tissue by investigating the muscle-bone relationship. Twenty tennis players (10 men and 10 women, mean age: 23.1+/-4.7 years, with 14.3+/-3.4 years of playing) were recruited. The total bone volume, cortical volume, sub-cortical volume and muscle volume were measured at both distal radii by MRI. BMC was assessed by DXA and was divided by the total bone volume to derive vBMD. Grip strength was evaluated with a dynamometer. Significant side-to-side differences (P<0.0001) were found in muscle volume (+9.7%), grip strength (+13.3%), BMC (+13.5%), total bone volume (+10.3%) and sub-cortical volume (+20.6%), but not in cortical volume (+2.6%, ns). The asymmetry in total bone volume explained 75% of the variance in BMC asymmetry (P<0.0001). vBMD was slightly higher on the dominant side (+3.3%, P<0.05). Grip strength and muscle volume correlated with all bone variables (except vBMD) on both sides (r=0.48-0.86, P<0.05-0.0001) but the asymmetries in muscle parameters did not correlate with those in bone parameters. After adjustment for muscle volume or grip strength, BMC was still greater on the dominant side. This study showed that the greater BMC induced by long-term tennis playing at the dominant radius was associated to a marked increase in bone size and a slight improvement in volumetric BMD, thereby improving bone strength. In addition to the muscle contractions, other mechanical stimuli seemed to exert a direct effect on bone tissue, contributing to the specific bone response to tennis playing.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2006

Joint laxity and the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the impact of knee joint laxity on the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 86 patients with OA of the knee was conducted. Tests were performed to determine varus-valgus laxity, muscle strength, and functional ability. Laxity was assessed using a device that measures the angular deviation of the knee in the frontal plane. Muscle strength was measured using a computer-driven isokinetic dynamometer. Functional ability was assessed by observation (100-meter walking test) and self report (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]). Regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of joint laxity on the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability. RESULTS: In regression analyses, the interaction between muscle strength and joint laxity contributed to the variance in both walking time (P = 0.002) and WOMAC score (P = 0.080). The slope of the regression lines indicated that the relationship between muscle strength and functional ability (walking time, WOMAC) was stronger in patients with high knee joint laxity. CONCLUSION: Patients with knee OA and high knee joint laxity show a stronger relationship between muscle strength and functional ability than patients with OA and low knee joint laxity. Patients with OA, high knee joint laxity, and low muscle strength are most at risk of being disabled.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Changes in muscle morphology, strength and enzymes in a 4-5-year follow-up of subjects with poliomyelitis sequelae.

Twenty subjects with polio sequelae were studied on two occasions 4-5 years apart by means of dynamometer measurements of knee-extension and flexion strength and muscle biopsy for histochemical and enzymatic analyses. The subjects were divided into those who reported (unstable, n = 12) and did not report (stable, n = 8) new or increased muscle weakness in the tested leg between the two examinations. Muscle strength decreased significantly in the unstable subjects, but only for knee-flexion in the stable subjects. However, the endurance test comprising 50 consecutive knee-extensions at 180 degrees/sec showed increased fatigability at the second examination only in the stable subjects. Most subjects had markedly increased muscle fiber areas, which in some subjects increased further, but in those already with very extreme hypertrophy the fiber size decreased. Capillarization and activity of citrate-synthase were decreased at the initial examination, but no significant further reduction was observed at the second examination. The results demonstrate individual patterns in the compensatory process for the presumed loss of motor units.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Increase in muscular strength following surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism.

The muscle strength of the quadriceps muscle was measured in a computerized modified Cybex II muscle dynamometer. The method used is easy and has an error of greater than 5%. A marked increase in muscular strength was found after successful surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with normalization of serum calcium levels. The results support the opinion that all patients with PHPT, with or without muscle weakness, should be recommended an operation if no serious contra-indications exist.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Comparability of force measurements obtained with different strain gauge hand-held dynamometers.

With multiple hand-held devices now available for measuring muscle strength, clinicians need to know if the measurements obtained with the different devices are comparable. This study was performed to determine the comparability of force measurements obtained with two different strain gauge hand-held dynamometers. Specifically examined to establish comparability were differences, reliabilities, and correlations between measurements obtained with the different devices. Thirty-one healthy volunteers were tested with each device during a single session. The muscle groups tested isometrically were the elbow flexors, shoulder external rotators, and hip flexors. Although the magnitude of forces measured with the two dynamometers differed significantly, they demonstrated good to high reliabilities and correlations. Thus, the dynamometers should not be used interchangeably on the same patient. Either of the dynamometers, however, can be used (alone) to document muscle force production.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

An MR-compatible device for the in situ assessment of isometric contractile performance of mouse hind-limb ankle flexors.

The goal of the present study was to develop and evaluate an isometric dynamometer for measuring mouse ankle flexor torque after electric stimulation of the nerve. The dynamometer was to be used within an magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and should require minimal surgical intervention. To quantify the effect of the magnetic field on contractile parameters, measurements were performed both outside and inside the MR apparatus. The effect of magnetic field gradient switching that accompanies rapid MR scanning was tested also. The set-up required no surgical intervention except for chronic implantation of an electrode. The dynamometer has a high mechanical frequency response (270 Hz). Measured muscle strengths were identical outside and inside the MR scanner. However, during fast magnetic field gradient switching, the variability increased and the measured strength decreased slightly (7%). The noise level of the dynamometer (0.02-0.03 N.mm) was low compared with the strength of the dorsal flexors (2 N.mm). Fast gradient switching increased the noise level (0.07 N.mm). The dynamometer had no observable adverse effects on the quality of the MR images of the mouse hind limb. We conclude that the dynamometer enables accurate measurements of mechanical muscle performance during exercise protocols within an MR apparatus under physiological conditions.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Isokinetic and isometric strength of the thigh muscles in below-knee amputees.

OBJECTIVE: The strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the amputated limb in below-knee amputees was evaluated. DESIGN: A descriptive study based on clinical measurements of muscle strength. BACKGROUND: The residual limb of below-knee amputees is less active in daily functions. As a result, atrophy of the thigh muscles in the affected limb is a common finding. Quality of standing and gait performances depend on the strength of these muscles, which activate the knee of the amputated limb. METHODS: Isokinetic concentric and eccentric, as well as isometric, strength of thigh muscles was measured by means of a dynamometer. Parameters of peak torque and maximal average torque of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles were considered. RESULTS: Significant decreases (P < 0.01) in strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings were observed in the amputated limb. Thigh muscle strength in amputees over 7 years was not significantly weaker when compared with amputees where amputation had been performed more recently. CONCLUSIONS: In below-knee amputees, the thigh muscle strength of the amputated limb decreases significantly during the first years after amputation. RELEVANCE: In so far as the ultimate goal in rehabilitation of amputees is to return the patient to an acceptable level of function, it is recommended that the amputee should be trained and encouraged in self-strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles of the amputated limb.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Determinants and upper-limit heritabilities of skeletal muscle mass and strength.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the genetic and environmental contribution to variation in skeletal muscle mass and strength. In addition, important determinants were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression. In a large (N = 748) sibling pair sample of young brothers, ages 24.3 +/- 4.5 years, upper-limit heritabilities (t2) were estimated as a proportion of genetic and shared environmental variability over total phenotypic variability by the variance components method in QTDT. Maximal isometric strength measures of knee, trunk, and elbow had higher t2 (82 to 96%) than concentric strength (63 to 87%) on Cybex isokinetic dynamometers. Indicators of muscle mass revealed very high transmissions (>90%) whereas t2 was lower for adiposity (<70%). Stepwise regression showed that fat-free mass was the primary determinant in knee and trunk strength (partial explained variance, R2 = 33-45%), but a local muscularity estimate (forearm circumference) was the main covariable for elbow strength (partial R2 = 18-39%). In this sample neither age nor physical activity, measured by the sport index of Baecke, appeared to be an important determinant of muscle mass or strength. These results show that maximal muscle strength and mass are highly transmissible and that muscle mass is the primary determinant of muscle strength.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Motor function-muscle strength relationship in spinal muscular atrophy.

The relationship between motor function and muscle strength in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is still controversial. In 120 genetically proven SMA patients, aged 5 years or older, we measured muscle strength in the arms and legs by a hand-held dynamometer, forced vital capacity by a spirometer, and the time needed to walk 10 m, arise from the floor, and climb steps. SMA patients had markedly reduced muscle strength, approximating 20% of that predicted from age- and gender-matched normative data. Knee extensors were the weakest muscles in SMA patients. The young ambulant SMA patients performed better than adults in all the timed tests and had greater muscle strength on knee extension. This study shows a good relationship between motor ability and muscle strength in SMA and confirms that age-related loss of function in SMA is due to loss of muscle strength.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Muscle performance in an urban population sample of 40- to 79-year-old men and women.

An urban population sample of 40 to 79-year-old men and women was investigated to evaluate the influence of age and activity level on muscle strength and endurance and to establish a reference material. During the investigation 144 persons were tested bilaterally, except for ankle strength, when only the right side was examined. Isometric muscle strength was determined in the knee extensors and flexors. Isokinetic (at 60 degrees/s and at 180 degrees/s) muscle strength was determined concentrically and eccentrically in the knee extensors and flexors. The dynamic and static endurance of the extensors was measured. Isometric strength was determined in the ankle plantar and dorsiflexor muscles. Isokinetic ankle plantar flexion strength was determined concentrically at 60 degrees/s with and without prior eccentric muscle contraction. Hand-grip strength was evaluated with a dynamometer. Walking velocity and the number of heel-rises were recorded. Physical activity level was assessed by questionnaire. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle for histochemical and enzymatic analyses. Walking and the different muscle tests declined with age, and with a slight gender difference. Muscle biopsies showed a trend toward smaller muscle fibers with age. The results of our study can be used as reference material for clinical studies in different age groups.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Unilateral lower limb injury: its long-term effects on quadriceps, hamstring, and plantarflexor muscle strength.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain if long-term deficits in quadriceps, hamstring, and plantarflexor muscle strength remain after unilateral lower-limb musculoskeletal injury and to quantify whether improvements in performance continue once a subject concludes rehabilitation and returns to everyday activities. The relation between the size of decrement and limb dominance, type of injury, and time since injury was also considered. DESIGN: Isometric and/or dynamic muscle strength of both legs was measured (using the KinCom 500H isokinetic dynamometer) in 48 subjects. SETTING: A physiological laboratory at Brunel University. PATIENTS: Patients were recruited locally via a district general hospital, sports injury clinic, and university. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle strength in the injured limb, reported as a percentage of muscle strength in the uninjured limb. It was assumed that the preinjury state of the injured limb was similar to that of the uninjured limb. RESULTS: Decrements were seen in mean isometric and peak isometric, concentric, and eccentric quadriceps activity (p < .0001) and isometric plantarflexor activity (p < .05) in the injured limb, with the type of injury influencing the size of the decrement. Minimal difference was found in the hamstring muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The decrements in performance in the quadriceps muscle imply that full recovery (as defined by the preinjury state) is frequently not achieved and stress the need for accurate, objective assessment of muscle strength and further investigation into the nature and duration of rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injury.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Reduction in thigh muscle cross-sectional area and strength in a 4-year follow-up in late polio.

OBJECTIVE: To study changes in cross-sectional thigh muscle area and muscle strength in late polio subjects over a 4-year period. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of a cohort of polio survivors, comparing subjects who acknowledge (unstable) with those who do not acknowledge (stable) new muscle weakness. SETTING: University hospital. SUBJECTS: Eighteen subjects (6 men, 12 women) with polio-myelitis sequelae (39 to 46 years of age) were studied on two occasions 4 years apart; the first examination was 37 to 44 years after onset of polio. Subjects were recruited through hospital registers, newspaper advertisement, and a patient organization. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Thigh muscle and intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissue (AT) cross-sectional areas were measured by computed tomography. Isometric muscle strength for knee extension and flexion was measured using a Kin-Com dynamometer. RESULTS: Cross-sectional muscle area decreased on average 1.3 +/- 3.6 cm2 (1.4%, p < .05); the intermuscular and intramuscular AT area increased 1.8 +/- 3.4 cm2 (12.1%, p < .05). When divided by legs in which subjects reported (unstable) or did not report (unstable) or did not report (stable) increased muscle weakness, unstable legs showed significant reduction (p < .05) in muscle area, whereas stable legs did not. Estimated total thigh muscle strength decreased 7.8% +/- 2.9% (p < .01), with a significant (p < .001) reduction in unstable legs (13.4% +/- 4.3%) but not in stable legs. The reduction in strength appears to be greater than the reduction in cross-sectional muscle area, but there is still a significant correlation (r = .44, p < .05). CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate not only progress of muscle weakness, but also of muscle atrophy in postpolio subjects.

Adipose Tissue↗