Objective triceps muscle strength measurement using computerized adaptation

In our centre the non-availability computerized exercise machines limits the objective monitoring of strength rehabilitation. We undertook this research programme to objectively measure triceps muscle strength by interfacing NORSK-Gym machine with accelerometer and positional transducers to a computer. This data was tabulated and processed using Microsoft Excel. The positional transducer was first calibrated and it showed an excellent Pearson Correlation Coefficients against a standard metric reading (r = 0.9999). Peak Force was used as a test parameter for isotonic triceps muscle strength measurements. The criterion-referenced validity was established as the peak forces measured using the accelerometer and positional transducer demonstrated identical Peak Forces (r = 0.94). Analysis of our mean Peak Force measurements using non-biological force as well as the intra-individual reproducibility demonstrated excellent Pearson Correlation Coefficients (r) = 0.982-0.998 and 0.929-0.972 respectively. This computerized adaptation of the NORSK-Gym machine produced an objective, valid and reproducible triceps muscle strength measurement.