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Results for “Muscle Strength Dynamometer”

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PubMed1988

Reliability of quantitative muscle testing in healthy children and in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using a hand-held dynamometer.

The purpose of this study was to examine intratester and test-retest reliability using a hand-held dynamometer for the measurement of isometric muscle strength in 28 healthy children and children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Dystrophic Group consisted of 14 children diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the Healthy Group consisted of 14 age-matched children with no history of orthopedic or neuromuscular disorders. One physical therapist tested hip and knee extension, elbow flexion, and shoulder abduction in each child bilaterally. A two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to analyze differences between measurements taken within and across the testing sessions. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were determined on mean values across the testing sessions for each variable. No significant differences (p greater than .05) between measurements taken within or across testing sessions were found in either the Dystrophic Group or the Healthy Group. Correlation coefficients for the Dystrophic Group ranged from .83 to .99 for the variables tested. Correlation coefficients for the Healthy Group ranged from .74 to .99. The results suggest that the hand-held dynamometer can be used as a reliable instrument in measuring the isometric strength of selected muscles in children.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A quantitative study of trunk muscle strength and fatigability in the low-back-pain syndrome.

A quantitative study of the trunk muscle strength and fatigability was performed using an isokinetic dynamometer to determine the role of trunk muscles in the low-back-pain syndrome and in particular to investigate the correlation of trunk muscle strength and lumbar lordosis. Most patients demonstrated a generalized weakness of the trunk muscles. The trunk muscle strength of patients suffering from backache for less than one month was significantly lower than that of the controls. The strength of the trunk muscles was not influenced by the duration of symptoms. There was no imbalance between the trunk flexors and extensors. The patients with back pain had a greater fatigability of the trunk flexors than the controls. There was negative correlation between the trunk muscle strength or fatigue and lumbar lordosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Effects of an exercise program on musculoskeletal symptoms and physical capacity among nursing staff.

Musculoskeletal disorders are a major health problem, and nursing staff are often seen as a risk group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a weekly exercise program among nursing staff on musculoskeletal symptoms and to study the relation to changes in physical capacity. A total of 106 nurses and nursing aides from four geriatric wards were invited to participate; 86 accepted. A cross-over design was used. The staff from two wards were assigned to an exercise period and the staff from the other wards to a control period for the first intervention period. After a wash-out period, the intervention changed. For the exercise periods the staff were invited to participate in an exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks. In total 50 subjects participated more than 8 times regularly during the exercise periods (participants = > or = 8 times regular participation, nonparticipants = < 8). During the control periods 78 subjects attended without intervention. Assessments were made with a standardized questionnaire for analysis of musculoskeletal and psychosomatic symptoms, testing of muscle strength in m. quadriceps with a Cybex dynamometer, and testing of cardiovascular capacity with a Dynavite computerized exercise bicycle before and after the exercise periods. The muscle strength in m. quadriceps increased more during the exercise periods compared with the control periods, explained primarily by the subgroup of nonregular exercisers and those > or = 40 years of age. The number of musculoskeletal symptoms tended to decrease more in the subgroup of nonregular exercisers (those who exercised less than once a week in their spare time) during the exercise periods compared with the nonregular exercisers during the control periods. Comparisons within groups showed a decrease in the number of musculoskeletal symptoms within the exercise periods, explained primarily by a decrease among the participants rather than among the nonparticipants. The decrease within the participants was explained primarily by the subgroup of nonregular exercisers and those > or = 40 years of age. An increase in cardiovascular capacity and a tendency to increase in muscle strength in m. quadriceps were seen among the participants, explained primarily by the effect in the subgroup of nonregular exercisers. The study suggests that a moderate weekly exercise program, performed in a group, among nursing staff affects physical capacity and the number of musculoskeletal symptoms for subjects who are nonregular exercisers and probably subjects > or = 40 years of age.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Six months of hormone replacement therapy does not influence muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has positive effects on fracture incidence before any effects on bone mineral density can be demonstrated. This has been attributed to increased muscle strength by HRT. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 6 months of HRT on muscle strength in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Forty postmenopausal women, aged 60-78 were included in the study. They were randomly divided in two groups with 20 women in each group. One group received Menorest 50 microg/24 h (estradiol 4.3 mg) and Gestapuran 2.5 mg (medroxyprogesteron) daily and the other group received placebo treatment. The study was conducted as a double blinded, prospective and placebo controlled trial. Hand grip strength, isokinetic knee flexion and extention, and physical activity were measured before treatment, after 3 and 6 months. Physical activity was estimated using a classification system of physical activity. A JAMAR hydraulic hand dynamometer and a Cybex II dynamometer were used to evaluate muscle strength. RESULTS: Hand grip strength in the right hand, increased significantly in both groups (HRT P<0.001 and placebo P<0.01) and in the left hand in the HRT group (P<0.01). However, there were no differences in muscle strength between the two groups. There was no significant change in isokinetic knee flexion or extension after 6 months in either of the groups. The estimated physical activity increased slightly in the placebo group, but there was no significant difference compared to the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that 6 months of HRT does not influence muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Strength and fatigability of selected muscles in upper limb: assessing muscle imbalance relevant to tennis elbow.

PURPOSE: The aetiology of tennis elbow has remained uncertain for more than a century. To examine muscle imbalance as a possible pathophysiological factor requires a reliable method of assessment. This paper describes the development of such a method and its performance in healthy subjects. We propose a combination of surface and fine-wire EMG of shoulder and forearm muscles and wrist strength measurements as a reliable tool for assessing muscle imbalance relevant to the pathophysiology of tennis elbow. METHODS: Six healthy volunteers participated. EMG data were acquired at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction from five forearm muscles during grip and three shoulder muscles during external rotation and abduction, and analysed using normalized median frequency slope as a fatigue index. Wrist extension/flexion strength was measured using a purpose-built dynamometer. RESULTS: Significant negative slope of median frequency was found for all muscles, with good reproducibility, and no significant difference in slope between the different muscles of the shoulder and the wrist. (Amplitude slope showed high variability and was therefore unsuitable for this purpose.) Wrist flexion was 27+/-8% stronger than extension (mean+/-SEM, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: This is a reliable method for measuring muscle fatigue in forearm and shoulder. EMG and wrist strength studies together can be used for assessing and identifying the muscle balance in the wrist-forearm-shoulder chain.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Muscle strength and electromyogram in boys and girls followed through puberty.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in anthropometric measures and muscle strength that occur during puberty in children from the age of 11 to 16 years. Special attention was paid to possible gender- and muscle action-type-specific alterations in torque/velocity and EMG/velocity characteristics. Sixteen children participated in the study (9 boys and 7 girls). Eccentric and concentric muscle strength was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 45, 90 and 180 degrees x s(-1). Simultaneously, a surface electromyogram (EMG) was recorded from the quadriceps muscle. At the age of 11, the boys and girls exhibited equal anthropometric measures and strength performance. In both genders, body measures and muscle strength increased significantly during the 5-year period, with larger increases being recorded for the boys. In addition, the boys increased selectively their eccentric torque per body mass, indicating an action-type-specific change in muscle quality. The general shape of the torque/velocity relationship exhibited an adult-like pattern both before and after puberty, and did not differ between genders. Both pre- and postpuberty, myoelectric activity was generally lower during eccentric than concentric actions, the highest values occurring for both genders in the concentric 180 degrees x s(-1) test. Ratios of eccentric to concentric torque per EMG, which reflect electromechanical efficiency, showed no significant changes with age. A significant velocity- and gender-specific change in electromechanical efficiency was observed at the highest speed at postpuberty, where the ratio for the girls was higher than for the boys.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Hip Abductor and Knee Extensor Muscle Strength of Children with and without Down Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to 1) determine test-retest reliability of hand-held dynamometer measurements of right hip abductor and knee extensor muscle strength in children with Down syndrome (DS), 2) identify differences in isometric muscle strength between children with DS and peers who are developing typically, and 3) determine the relationship between various anthropometric and demographic variables and isometric muscle strength. METHODS: Seventeen children with DS between the ages of seven and 15 years and a comparison group of 17 age- and gender-matched peers who were developing typically participated in the study. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure peak force during maximal isometric right hip abduction and knee extension at two test sessions approximately one week apart. Peak torque values were calculated by multiplying peak force measurements by the appropriate segment lengths. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and a questionnaire was used to measure habitual physical activity levels. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was high, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.95. Children with DS had significantly lower mean peak torque values for hip abduction and knee extension than children in the comparison group. Regression analyses indicated that weight, body mass index, height, activity level, and gender were significant predictors of peak torque production for the sample as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-held dynamometry can be used to obtain reliable measurements of isometric muscle strength in children with DS. Anthropometric characteristics and activity levels may play a role in peak torque production in children with and without DS.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

[Clinical and muscular evaluation in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism].

Some symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism, as well as some laboratory abnormalities, may be present in subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). This study evaluates the prevalence of signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and skeletal muscle dysfunction in 57 patients with SH compared to 37 euthyroid controls. The participants received a clinical score based on signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. The muscle strength was estimated by manual testing and chair dynamometer and inspiratory force by manuvacuometer. Thyroid hormones and muscle enzymes were measured. The SH group presented with higher score (p< 0.01), complained about myalgia and weakness more frequently (p< 0.05), and showed strength disability in scapular and pelvic girdles (p< 0.05). The median free T4 serum levels were lower in SH (p< 0.001). These findings suggest that signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may be related to lower levels of FT4 in SH and should be taken into account in the decision of beginning LT4 therapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Recovery of muscle strength after late repair of distal biceps brachii tendon.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ruptures of the distal part of the biceps brachii tendon are rare. The diagnosis is often delayed and only late repair can be considered. In this study, the recovery of muscle strength after late repair of the distal biceps brachii tendon was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with a ruptured distal biceps brachii tendon were analysed. The mean delay from the primary trauma to the operation was 35 weeks. The tendon was anatomically re-attached with bone anchors. In three cases a tendon graft was needed. The operated arms were immobilised postoperatively for four weeks, after which mobilisation was allowed. Maximal static flexion and supination strength was measured after an average follow-up time of 124 weeks by using a computer-based isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction and overall muscle strength recovery were very good. Compared to the non-operated side, average flexion strength recovery was 90% and corresponding recovery of supination strength 78%. Weakness on supination remained in the cases where a tendon graft was used. One patient needed a re-operation for a re-rupture. There were three cases of transient paresthesia of the cutaneous nerve. All patients resumed their previous work. CONCLUSION: Late anatomical repair of the biceps brachii tendon restores very good flexion and moderate supination strength. This operation should always be considered when the primary diagnosis is delayed.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Quantitative forearm muscle strength influences radial bone mineral density in osteoporotic and healthy males.

Fractures are not rare in male osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement is used in the diagnosis and monitoring, preventing and/or treating the disease. Muscle strength and BMD are highly related to each other. The distal radius is one of the most common sites of osteoporotic fractures. The relationship of quantitative muscle strength and BMD of the forearm has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to assess forearm muscle strength and grip strength in relation to BMD in 46 osteoporotic and randomly selected 45 healthy male participants. Forearm muscle strength and BMD were quantitatively measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and dual-energy-X-ray-absorptiometry (DEXA), respectively. Significant correlation was found among the muscle strength and dominant forearm BMD in 60 and 120 deg/s velocities. In the non-dominant arm, the 120 deg/s velocity was only significantly positively correlated to forearm BMD. Pearson's Product coefficient presented a moderate correlation between muscle strength and BMD at the dominant arms of both groups, whereas, the difference in the non-dominant forearm came from the difference of usage frequency. In conclusion, quantitative forearm muscle strength and BMD is moderately correlated and exercise can be advised to prevent distal radius fractures in male osteoporosis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1999

Early changes in muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty. A 6-month follow-up of 30 knees.

We studied 30 patients with arthrosis in one knee operated on with a cemented (n 26) or an uncemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (n 4). Full weight-bearing from the first postoperative day was allowed in all patients, and they received standard postoperative physiotherapy. 1 week prior to surgery, and after 3 and 6 months, isokinetic and isometric muscle strength in both legs were measured, using a Cybex 6000 dynamometer. Isokinetic tests showed a bilateral, significant, and progressive increase (30-53%) in flexor muscle strength most pronounced in the operated legs. Isokinetic extensor strength increased significantly (14-18%) in the operated legs, while in the contralateral legs, a limited increase was found. Isometric flexion strength significantly decreased in the operated knees (17%). Isometric extension strength showed a temporary decrease at 3 months, which returned to the preoperative level. No significant change in isometric strength was observed in the contralateral legs. The knee pain during the muscle strength measurements decreased significantly from the preoperative level, which may indicate that the substantial pain relief within 3 months after a TKA is an important factor for evaluation of muscle strength.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

A low-level strength training exercise program for frail elderly adults living in an extended attention facility.

Little is known about low-level, mildly progressive, strength training programs for frail elderly adults who live in extended attention housing. To study the effects of a low-level strength training program, a group of 12 frail elderly adults, aged 70 to 93 years, residing in an extended attention facility, participated in a strength training exercise program using ankle and wrist weights. Baseline measurements of elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength were taken with a handheld dynamometer prior to initiation of the strength training program, and every three weeks during the 12-week period of exercise with weights. Muscle strength of elbow and knee flexors improved significantly by the end of the 12-week period (p < 0.05). Elbow and knee extensors did not show significant increases in muscle strength, but were maintained. It is concluded that muscle strength can be maintained or improved in adults over 70 who live in an extended attention facility using a low-level, mildly progressive, resistive exercise program. The program is safe, inexpensive, practical and can be used in clinical as well as community settings.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Muscle strength and muscle endurance of middle-aged women and men associated to type, duration and intensity of muscular load at work.

Muscle strength and muscle endurance in groups with different occupational muscular load was studied among 60 women and 69 men. The mean age of the subjects was 52.0 +/- 3.4 years. Isometric grip and trunk strength were measured on dynamometers, and dynamic muscle endurance by sit-ups. A job analysis was done with the AET method including the assessment of intensity, duration and type of muscular work of each subject. According to the job analysis, the subjects were classified into groups with low or high muscular load at work. The maximal isometric hand grip strength of women with a load classified as long duration of static or dynamic load on the hands at work was 86 and 88%, respectively of the strength of those with a load of short duration. The women with high intensity in static work had a grip strength of 86% of those with low intensity. These differences in strength among women between the high and low load groups were statistically significant (P less than 0.05). No other statistically significant differences in muscle strength or muscle endurance between the high and low work load groups were found, although the high work load group had systematically the lowest muscle strength and muscle endurance in almost all comparisons. Muscle strength and muscle endurance was, however, not a discriminating factor between the group classifications of static and dynamic work. The results indicated that the muscle strength and muscle endurance of middle-aged employees was systematically lower among those with high muscular load compared to those with low load at work.

Female↗

PubMed2002

Proprioception and Muscle Strength in Subjects With a History of Ankle Sprains and Chronic Instability.

OBJECTIVE: To examine if patients with chronic ankle instability or a history of ankle sprains without chronic instability have worse proprioception or less invertor and evertor muscle strength. DESIGN AND SETTING: We assessed proprioception and muscle strength on the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer in the laboratory of the Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital Ghent. SUBJECTS: Subjects included 87 physical education students (44 men, 43 women, age = 18.33 +/- 1.25 years, mass = 66.09 +/- 8.11 kg, height = 174.11 +/- 8.57 cm) at the University of Ghent in Belgium. Their ankles were divided into 4 groups: a symptom-free control group, subjects with chronic ankle instability, subjects who had sustained an ankle sprain in the last 2 years without instability, and subjects who sustained an ankle sprain 3 to 5 years earlier without instability. MEASUREMENTS: Active and passive joint-position sense was assessed at the ankle, and isokinetic peak torque was determined for concentric and eccentric eversion and inversion movements at the ankle. RESULTS: Statistical analysis indicated significantly less accurate active position sense for the instability group compared with the control group at a position close to maximal inversion. The instability group also showed a significantly lower relative eversion muscle strength (% body weight). No significant differences were observed between the control group and the groups with past sprains without instability. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the possible cause of chronic ankle instability is a combination of diminished proprioception and evertor muscle weakness. Therefore, we emphasize proprioception and strength training in the rehabilitation program for ankle instability.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

A retrospective comparison of abdominal muscle strength following breast reconstruction with a free TRAM or DIEP flap.

Abdominal weakness is a known potential complication of breast reconstruction with a pedicled or free TRAM flap. It has been presumed that the DIEP flap, which involves no muscle resection, does not compromise abdominal muscle strength but little objective research exists to substantiate this. The aims of this retrospective study were to compare abdominal muscle strength following free TRAM flap and DIEP flap, to compare both groups with a control group and to establish the effect of both procedures on functional activities. Fifty women (23 with a DIEP flap, 27 with a free TRAM flap) plus 32 non-operated controls underwent assessment of their abdominal and back extensor muscle strength on a KIN COM isokinetic dynamometer. Two questionnaires were used to establish the impact on function. The TRAM flap group had significant weakness of the abdominal and back extensor muscles compared with the DIEP flap group and the control group. The trend was for the DIEP flap group to have weaker abdominal muscles than the control group. There was a higher level of abdominal pain and a greater number of reported functional difficulties in the TRAM flap group than in the DIEP flap group. This study demonstrates that whilst the DIEP flap can reduce the strength deficit caused by the free TRAM flap, abdominal weakness can still result from the DIEP flap. A randomised controlled trial is currently underway to investigate the effect of preoperative abdominal exercises in preventing/minimising postoperative abdominal muscle weakness in this group.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed2005

Can physical training have an effect on well-being in adults with mild intellectual disability?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical training on balance, strength, and general well-being in adult people with intellectual disability (ID). This study evaluated how physical training can effect physical and psychological change among 'older' adults with mild ID. Participants consisted of non-randomly selected groups with ID (n=22), between 54 and 66 years of age. Clinical balance functional tests were measured by a modified Timed Get-up and Go test and Functional Reach test. Knee muscles strength were measured on a Biodex dynamometer. The self-concept of well-being was measured by direct interview with a questionnaire consisting of 37 structural statements. Physical training program was conducted three times a week for six consecutive months. Multiple regression analyses suggested positive relations between balance, muscle strength, well-being and physical training between the experimental and control group. This positive relation can support the role and importance of physical training to improve locomotor performance and perception of well-being among 'older' adults with ID.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

Quadriceps inhibition following arthroscopy in patients with anterior knee pain.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at investigating muscle strength and quadriceps inhibition in patients with unilateral anterior knee pain syndrome. DESIGN: Functional assessments were made before an arthroscopic knee surgery and 6 weeks and 6 months following the surgical intervention. BACKGROUND: Traumatic knee injuries have been associated with severe muscle inhibition of the knee extensor muscles. Muscle inhibition is a serious hindrance in the rehabilitation process and prevents full functional recovery of the affected joint. METHODS: 30 patients participated in the study. Isometric quadriceps strength was measured using a KinCom dynamometer. Muscle inhibition was assessed using the interpolated twitch technique which requires applying a single electrical twitch to the femoral nerve during a maximal isometric knee extensor contraction. Pain was assessed with a 100 mm visual analogue pain scale. RESULTS: Pre-surgery, substantial muscle inhibition and pain was observed in the affected leg compared with the contralateral leg. Over the 6 month period there was a decrease in pain and muscle inhibition, although the decrease in muscle inhibition failed to reach statistical significance. Muscle strength showed a decrease 6 weeks post-surgery followed by an increase 6 months following surgery compared with pre-surgical values. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic intervention was successful in reducing pain in patients with unilateral anterior knee pain syndrome. However, muscle inhibition was still substantial 6 months following surgery and was significantly higher in the affected and contralateral limb than in normal subjects.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1979

An indirect method to examine forces affecting Courvoisier's oblique gall-bladder incision.

The aim of this study is to establish a method by which the maximum forces attacking Courvoisier's oblique gall-bladder incision can be evaluated. Nine well-informed patients served as subjects. Four investigations were made: pre-, per-, and two postoperative. The pre- and postoperative maximum isometric muscle strength in pulling forward were measured with a dynamometer. Simultaneously the IEMG was obtained. A muscle tensiometer was used for registration of the peroperative muscle pull of the right abdominal rectus muscle, and IEMG obtained simultaneously. The IEMG makes a calculation of the pre- and postoperative rectus muscle pull possible. The study seems to indicate that the most realistic estimation of the forces attacking the wound in the early postoperative phase is a preoperative measurement of the maximum force in pulling forward (attempted trunk bending). If ruptures in the wound occur during the extubation, ruptures would very likely also occur in the early postoperative phase. Eight weeks after the operation the right rectus muscle has regained its preoperative strength.

Abdominal Muscles↗