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 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Validity and reliability of the measurement of the quardriceps femoris muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer on the affected side in hemiplegic patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate validity and reliability of measuring the quadriceps femoris muscle strength on the affected side in hemiplegic patients with a hand-held dynamometer(HHD) to prepare for a multi-center cooperative study. Measurements of the known weights(8.972 and 18.665 kg) with HHD were 8.98 +/- 0.00 kg and 18.57 +/- 0.00 kg, respectively, and measurements with HHD were almost consistent with those with KIN-COM (gold standard), because the Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was 0.99 (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in measurements of the quadriceps femoris muscle strength on the affected side in a hemiplegic patient between just anterior to the face of the ankle and 7 cm proximal to the ankle, and on a chair with or without a backrest (t-test, P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between the 90 degrees and 60 degrees flexed position of the knee (t-test, 0.1 > P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in muscle strength measured by three different examiners and on four trials, but significant differences were found among three patients (General Linear Model, P < 0.001). Therefore, by using the standardized measuring procedure, the HHD is reliable to measure strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle on the affected side in hemiplegic patients.

Hemiplegia↗

PubMed2004

Measuring the strength of the intrinsic muscles of the hand in patients with ulnar and median nerve injuries: reliability of the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer (RIHM).

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability and measurement error of measurements of intrinsic muscle strength of a new hand-held dynamometer (the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer [RIHM]). METHODS: With the RIHM we obtained repeated measurements of the intrinsic muscle strength of the hand in 27 patients with peripheral nerve injury of the ulnar and/or median nerve in different stages of rehabilitation. The average time period after injury was 4.4 years (range, 99 days-11 years). RESULTS: Differences between 2 measurements greater than 6.3 N were interpreted as a real change in assessing the strength of the abduction of the little and index finger; for the median innervated muscles of the thumb this value was 16 N. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with nerve injuries the muscle strength is usually assessed with manual muscle strength testing and grip- and pinch-strength dynamometers. Preferably the intrinsic muscle strength should be measured in isolation and quantitatively. The RIHM is a new dynamometer that allows for measurements of the intrinsic muscle strength in isolation with reliability comparable to grip and pinch measurements.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

The relationship between risk factors for falling and the quality of life in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Falls are one of the major health problems that effect the quality of life among older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between quality of life (Short Form-12) and the risk factors of falls (balance, functional mobility, proprioception, muscle strength, flexibility and fear of falling) in older adults. METHODS: One hundred sixteen people aged 65 or older and living in the T.C. Emekli Sandigi Narlidere nursing home participated in the study. Balance (Berg Balance test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), proprioception (joint position sense), muscle strength (back/leg dynamometer), flexibility (sit and reach) and fear of falling (Visual Analogue Scale) were assessed as risk factors for falls. The quality of life was measured by Short Form-12 (SF-12). RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was observed between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and balance, muscle strength. Proprioception and flexibility did not correlated with SF-12 (p > 0.05). There was negative correlation between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and fear of falling, functional mobility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the risk factors for falls (balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, fear of falling) in older adults are associated with quality of life while flexibility and proprioception are not.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1995

Quantitative measurement of muscle strength in the mouse.

We have designed a special dynamometer for measuring mouse forelimb muscle strength and endurance. The device exploits a mouse's tendency to grasp a horizontal metal bar while suspended by its tail. A threshold value for the magnitude and duration of force that the mouse can exert is obtained by first allowing the animal to grasp the bar and then applying a steadily increasing downward force to the opposite end of a cable to which the mouse attaches. The bar is attached to a force transducer and pen recorder to produce a permanent record of the force produced by the mouse. Test results show that this dynamometer provides quantitative measurements of muscle strength and endurance in the mouse. Comparisons between experimental groups of normal and wobbler mice, a model for lower motor neuron disease, show that both the force exerted by the animals (muscle strength), and the duration of the pull (endurance), can be quantified and statistically analyzed. This technique can be used as an assay for quantitating the effects of in vivo drug treatments on murine neuromuscular disorders.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Validity and reproducibility of the Jamar dynamometer in children aged 4-11 years.

PURPOSE: Validity and reproducibility of the Jamar dynamometer were evaluated in children aged 4-11 years. METHOD: Hand grip strength was measured on the dominant side and non-dominant side in 67 patients who had been referred to our specialist centre in the past 3 years because of suspected myopathy. All the patients had had muscle biopsy. Sixteen out of the 67 patients proved to have myopathy, while 51 had no myopathy. The investigator was blinded against the true diagnosis and clinical course of the patients at the time of testing. Validity was assessed by the power to discriminate between patients with and without myopathy, using logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated as a measure of the discriminative power. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were assessed at a specifically chosen cut-off point. Reproducibility was assessed by evaluating the test-retest reliability in a stratified random sample of 40 patients who returned for remeasurements, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: AUCs ranged from 0.78 - 0.82. At an Se = 81% cut-off point, Sp varied from 67-73%. ICCs ranged from 0.91-0.93. CONCLUSIONS: The Jamar dynamometer had discriminative power in children with suspected myopathy. Reproducibility was high. The Jamar dynamometer was a good, but not completely accurate, test for myopathy.

Area Under Curve↗

PubMed2004

Total hip arthroplasty: the relationship between posterolateral reconstruction, abductor muscle strength, and femoral offset.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between posterolateral reconstruction, abductor muscle strength, and femoral offset following total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Of 28 patients (56 limbs) we assessed, 12 underwent posterolateral reconstruction (reconstruction group) and 16 did not (non-reconstruction group). Isometric abductor muscle strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Each patient's muscle strength was converted into a force to body weight ratio, and this ratio was used in the comparisons. RESULTS: The reconstruction group showed a higher value in abductor muscle strength than the non-reconstruction group (p<0.05). Significant correlation between abductor muscle strength and femoral offset was found in the reconstruction group (p=0.016; r=0.674). CONCLUSION: Posterolateral reconstruction and appropriate reconstruction of femoral offset following total hip arthroplasty are important to improve the abductor muscle strength.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Comprehensive nutritional status in recently diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared with population controls.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is observed frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Knowledge of the nutritional status in patients with recently diagnosed IBD is limited. The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive picture of the nutritional status in recently diagnosed IBD patients. SUBJECTS: Sixty-nine IBD patients (23 Crohn's disease (CD) and 46 with ulcerative colitis (UC)) within 6 months of diagnosis and 69 age- and sex-matched population controls were included in the study. METHODS: The nutritional status was assessed by: (1) body composition (anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry); (2) dietary intake (dietary history); (3) biochemical indexes of nutrition; and (4) muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometer). RESULTS: Body weight and body mass index were significantly lower in UC patients compared with controls. The mean daily intake of carbohydrates was significantly higher in CD patients and the intakes of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin were significantly lower in UC patients compared with controls, respectively. Serum concentrations of several nutrients (beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium and zinc) were significantly lower in UC patients compared with controls. Serum vitamin B12 concentration was significantly lower in CD patients. Muscle strength did not significantly differ between IBD patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the nutritional status of IBD patients was already affected negatively at time of diagnosis. It needs to be elucidated whether nutritional supplementation in recently diagnosed IBD patients may improve the clinical course of the disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Hand span influences optimal grip span in male and female teenagers.

PURPOSE: To determine if there is an optimal grip span for determining the maximum handgrip strength in male and female teenagers, and if the optimal grip span was related to hand span. If they are related then the second aim was to derive a mathematic equation relating hand span and optimal grip span. METHODS: One hundred healthy teenage boys (15.1 +/- 1.1 y) and 106 girls (15.4 +/- 1.3 y) were evaluated (age range, 13-18 y). Each hand was randomly tested on 10 occasions using 5 different grip spans, allowing a 1-minute rest between attempts. The hand span was measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the small finger with the hand opened as wide as possible. RESULTS: The results showed that an optimal grip span to determine the maximum handgrip strength was identified for both genders, and the optimal grip span and hand span correlated in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is an optimal grip span to which the dynamometer should be adjusted when measuring handgrip strength in teenagers. The optimal grip span was influenced by hand span in both genders. For males the optimal grip span can be derived from the equation y = x/7.2 + 3.1 cm, and for females from the equation y = x/4 + 1.1 cm. where y is the optimal grip span and x is the hand-span. These equations may improve the reliability and accuracy of the results and may guide clinicians and researchers in selecting the optimal grip span on the hand dynamometer when measuring handgrip strength in teenagers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Effect of testosterone treatment on body composition and muscle strength in men over 65 years of age.

As men age, serum testosterone concentrations decrease, the percentage of body mass that is fat increases, the percentage of lean body mass decreases, and muscle strength decreases. Because these changes are similar to those that occur in hypogonadal men, we hypothesized that increasing the serum testosterone concentration of men over 65 yr of age to that in young men would decrease their fat mass, increase their lean mass, and increase their muscle strength. We randomized 108 men over 65 yr of age to wear either a testosterone patch or a placebo patch in a double blind study for 36 months. We measured body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and muscle strength by dynamometer before and during treatment. Ninety-six men completed the entire 36-month protocol. Fat mass decreased (-3.0+/-0.5 kg) in the testosterone-treated men during the 36 months of treatment, which was significantly different (P = 0.001) from the decrease (-0.7+/-0.5 kg) in the placebo-treated men. Lean mass increased (1.9+/-0.3 kg) in the testosterone-treated men, which was significantly different (P < 0.001) from that (0.2+/-0.2 kg) in the placebo-treated men. The decrease in fat mass in the testosterone-treated men was principally in the arms (-0.7+/-0.1 kg; P < 0.001 compared to the placebo group) and legs (-1.1+/-0.2 kg; P < 0.001), and the increase in lean mass was principally in the trunk (1.9+/-0.3 kg; P < 0.001). The change in strength of knee extension and flexion at 60 degrees and 180 degrees angular velocity during treatment, however, was not significantly different between the two groups. We conclude that increasing the serum testosterone concentrations of normal men over 65 yr of age to the midnormal range for young men decreased fat mass, principally in the arms and legs, and increased lean mass, principally in the trunk, but did not increase the strength of knee extension and flexion, as measured by dynamometer.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Assisted and resisted sprint training in swimming.

This study was undertaken to determine whether the resisted-sprint in overstrength (OSt) or the assisted-sprint in overspeed (OSp) could be efficient training methods to increase 100-m front crawl performance. Thirty-seven (16 men, 21 women) competition-level swimmers (mean +/- SD: age 17.5 +/- 3.5 years, height 173 +/- 14 cm, weight 63 +/- 14 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups: OSt, OSp, and control (C). All swimmers trained 6 days per week for 3 weeks, including 3 resisted or assisted training sessions per week for the groups OSt and OSp respectively. Elastic tubes were used to generate swimming overstrength and overspeed. Three 100-m events were performed before, during, and after the training period. Before each 100-m event, strength of the elbow flexors and extensors was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Stroke rate and stroke length were evaluated using the video-recorded 100-m events. In the OSt group, elbow extensor strength, swimming velocity, and stroke rate significantly increased (p < 0.05), while stroke length remained unchanged after the 3-week training period. In the OSp group, stroke rate significantly increased (p < 0.05) and stroke length significantly decreased (p < 0.05) without changes in swimming velocity. No significant variations in the C group were observed. Both OSt and OSp proved to be more efficient than the traditional training program. However, the OSt training program had a larger impact on muscle strength, swimming performance, and stroke technique than the OSp program.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2007

Grip strength and forearm circumference in a healthy population.

Two hundred and fifty subjects were recruited. Age, sex, hand preference and anthropometric measurements were recorded for each subject. Grip strength was measured using a Jamar hydraulic dynamometer. Multiple regression analyses were performed. One hundred and seventy two subjects were men and 78 were women. Twenty-six subjects were left hand dominant. Hand grip strength was greatest for the 35 to 44 year old group for both sexes. Grip strength was consistently greater for men than women. Contralateral grip strength predicted maximum grip strength for both sexes. Forearm circumference predicted maximum hand grip strength for men. Although there was a large range of forearm circumferences in the population, there was little difference between sides for each subject (100% less than 2 cm). The demonstrated relationships between: (i) contralateral grip strengths and (ii) grip strength and forearm circumference lead us to suggest that for certain pathologies, a difference in forearm circumference greater than 2 cm may lend credence to a measurement of diminished grip strength.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Evaluation of maximal bite force in temporomandibular disorders patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the maximum bite force in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. Two hundred women were equally divided into four groups: myogenic TMD, articular TMD, mixed TMD and control. The maximum bite force was measured in the first molar area, on both sides, in two sessions, using an IDDK (Kratos) Model digital dynamometer, adapted to oral conditions. Three-way anova, Tukey and Pearson correlation tests were used for the statistical analysis. The level of statistical significance was given when P < or = 0.05. The maximal bite force values were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental ones (P = 0.00), with no significant differences between sides. Higher values were obtained in the second session (P = 0.001). Indeed, moderate negative correlation was found between age and bite force, when articular, mixed groups and all groups together were evaluated. A moderate negative correlation was also detected between TMD severity and the maximal bite force values for myogenic, mixed and all groups together. Authors concluded that the presence of masticatory muscle pain and/or TMJ inflammation can play a role in maximum bite force. The mechanisms involved in this process, however, are not well understood and deserve further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The reliability of one vs. three grip trials in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.

Grip strength is used in the assessment of hand and upper limb function. Current recommendations state that taking the mean of three repeated grip trials provides more reliable results than only one trial. A repeated measures, crossover design was used. Sixty-six subjects were recruited (22 asymptomatic subjects, 22 following carpal tunnel decompression, and 22 following flexor tendon repair). Grip strength testing was performed on a Jamar dynamometer using a standardized testing protocol. Pre- and post testing pain levels were recorded using a verbal analogue scale. Each subject's grip strength was tested four times, twice using a single trial protocol and twice using three grip trials in random order. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (2,1), 95% confidence intervals, and standard error of measurements were calculated. A two-tailed paired samples t-test was used to investigate the difference between the grip strength values obtained and the changes in verbal analogue scale. High levels of test-retest reliability (ICC>or=0.85) were found for the three methods of grip strength testing (one trial, the mean of three trials, and the best of three trials). The mean values of grip strength generated for each method of grip strength testing produced comparable results. A significant difference (p>or=0.0001) was observed in the verbal analogue scale scores following one trial and three in all three sample groups. Clinically acceptable levels of reliability (>or=0.91) were demonstrated by all three methods of grip strength testing other than the mean of three trials for the asymptomatic group. Distribution of the ICC results and the elevated verbal analogue scales associated with three trials suggest that the use of one grip trial may be appropriate. This study suggests that one maximal trial is as reliable as and less painful than either the best of, or, mean of three trials.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effect of isokinetic training on strength, functionality and proprioception in athletes with functional ankle instability.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isokinetic exercise on strength, joint position sense and functionality in recreational athletes with functional ankle instability (FAI). Strength, proprioception and balance of 24 recreational athletes with unilateral FAI were evaluated by using isokinetic muscle strength measurement, ankle joint position sense and one leg standing test. The functional ability was evaluated using five different tests. These were; single limb hopping course (SLHC), one legged and triple legged hop for distance (OLHD-TLHD), and six and cross six meter hop for time (SMHT-CSMHT). Isokinetic peak torque of the ankle invertor and evertor muscles were assessed eccentrically and concentrically at test speeds of 120 degrees /s. Isokinetic exercise protocol was carried out at an angular velocity of 120 degrees /s. The exercise session was repeated three times a week and lasted after 6 weeks. At baseline, concentric invertor strength was found to be significantly lower in the functionally unstable ankles compared to the opposite healthy ankles (p < 0.001). This difference was not present after executing the 6 weeks exercise sessions (p > 0.05). Ankle joint position sense in the injured ankles declined significantly from 2.35 +/- 1.16 to 1.33 +/- 0.62 degrees for 10 degrees of inversion angle (p < 0.001) and from 3.10 +/- 2.16 to 2.19 +/- 0.98 degrees for 20 degrees of inversion angle (p < 0.05) following the isokinetic exercise. One leg standing test score decreased significantly from 15.17 +/- 8.50 to 11.79 +/- 7.81 in the injured ankles (p < 0.001). Following the isokinetic exercise protocol, all of the worsened functional test scores in the injured ankles as compared to the opposite healthy ankles displayed a significant improvement (p < 0.01 for OLHD and CSMHT, p < 0.001 for SLHC, TLHD, and SMHT). These results substantiate the deficits of strength, proprioception, balance and functionality in recreational athletes with FAI. The isokinetic exercise program used in this study had a positive effect on these parameters.

Adult↗

PubMed2007

Consequences of a cross slope on wheelchair handrim biomechanics.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that pushing on a cross slope leads to increased handrim loading compared with that found on a level surface. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six manual wheelchair users. INTERVENTION: Subjects pushed their own wheelchairs on a research treadmill set to level, 3 degrees , and 6 degrees cross slopes. Propulsion speed was self-selected for each cross-slope condition. Handrim biomechanics were measured for the downhill wheel, using an instrumented wheelchair wheel and a motion capture system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Speed, peak kinetics (force, rate of loading, torque), push angle, cadence, push distance, and power output were averaged over a 20-push set for each subject and each cross-slope condition. Outcomes were compared across cross slopes using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Push angle and cadence were unaffected by cross slope. A trend of decreasing self-selected speeds with increasing cross slope was not significant. There were considerable increases in the peak kinetic measures, with the axial moment increasing by a factor of 1.8 on the 6 degrees cross slope (P=.000). More pushes were required to cover the same distance when on a cross slope (P<.034). The power required for propulsion increased by a factor of 2.3 on the 6 degrees cross slope (P=.000). CONCLUSIONS: Users must push harder when on a cross slope. This increased loading is borne by the users' arms, which are at risk for overuse injuries. Exposure to biomechanic loading can be reduced by avoiding cross slopes when possible.

Acceleration↗

PubMed2007

Effectiveness of loaded sit-to-stand resistance exercise for children with mild spastic diplegia: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of a functional strengthening program, the loaded sit-to-stand (STS) resistance exercise, for children with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized block design. SETTING: STS exercises were carried out at the children's homes. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls; age range, 5-12y) with spastic diplegia CP and classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System as level I or II were stratified by their severity and age and randomly allocated into either the experimental or control group. INTERVENTION: Both groups received their regular physical therapy. The experimental group underwent loaded STS exercise 3 times a week for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Goal dimension scores of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), gait speed, 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) of the loaded STS, isometric strength of knee extensor, and Physiological Cost Index (PCI). The outcome measures were conducted at the beginning and end of the 6-week study. RESULTS: After loaded STS exercise, the experimental group showed statistically significant differences in GMFM goal dimension scores, 1-RM STS, and PCI from the control group. The changes in gait speed and isometric strength of the knee extensor did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: After the loaded STS exercise, children with mild spastic diplegia improved their basic motor abilities, functional muscle strength, and walking efficiency.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2006

Dynamometric analysis of the maximum force applied in aquatic human gait at 1.3m of immersion.

BACKGROUND: This work had the objective to analyze the values of the vertical and anteroposterior components of the ground reaction force (GRF) during the aquatic gait and the influence of the speed and the upper limb position on the GRF components values. METHODS: Sixty subjects, with average height between 1.6 and 1.85m and average age of 23 years, were divided in three groups according to the immersion level. The citizens walked over a walking platform, which had two force plates attached. The platform was located at a depth of 1.3m. The subjects walked over the platform in four different situations, with speed and upper limb position variations. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. FINDINGS: For the vertical component, the force values varied between 20% and 40% of the subjects' body weight according to the different data collection situations. For the anteroposterior component, the force values reached between 8% and 20% of the subjects' body weight corporal, also according with the data collection situation. INTERPRETATION (DISCUSSION): It was noted that for a given immersion level, the forces can vary according to the request that is imposed to the aquatic gait. It was concluded that either the speed as well as the position of the upper limb influence the values of the GRF components. An increase in the gait speed causes increase of the anteroposterior component (Fx), while an increase in the corporal mass out of the water causes increase mainly of the vertical component (Fy). Knowing the value of these alterations is important for the professional who prescribes activities in aquatic environment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Correlates of life space in a volunteer cohort of older adults.

The authors measured the spatial extent of movement of older persons (i.e., life space) and examined factors that are related to life space. A larger life space was positively correlated with self-report measures of disability. In generalized logit models adjusted for demographics and time of year, a larger life space was associated with less visual impairment, higher levels of lower extremity motor performance, global cognition, and social involvement, and with personality and purpose in life. The results suggest that the range of environmental movement in older adults is a useful indicator of health in old age and may complement measures of disability.

Activities of Daily Living↗