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Reliability of measurement of maximal isometric lateral trunk-flexion strength in athletes using handheld dynamometry
Bram L Newman1, Courtney L Pollock, Michael A Hunt
1Dept of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Context:
Lateral trunk-flexion strength is an important determinant of overall trunk stability and function, but the reliability in measuring this outcome clinically in athletic individuals is not known.
Objective:
To determine the interrater and intrarater reliability of lateral trunk-flexion strength measurement in athletic individuals using handheld dynamometry.
Design:
Reliability study.
Setting:
Research laboratory.
Participants:
12 healthy, athletic individuals.
Intervention:
Lateral trunk-flexion strength was measured using handheld dynamometry across 2 different trunk placements (lateral aspect of the axilla and laterally at the level of the midtrunk) and 2 testing occasions by 2 therapists. Three maximum-effort trials during a "make test" at each placement were completed for each therapist on both occasions.
Main Outcome Measures:
Maximum force output was identified and converted to a torque. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were calculated for each dynamometer placement, therapist, and test occasion to determine intrarater and interrater reliability.
Results:
Intrarater reliability was moderate to good (ICC2,1= .53-.77), while interrater reliability was good to very good (ICC2,1 =.79-.81) at the axilla position. For the midtrunk position, intrarater reliability was good to very good (ICC2,1 = .80-.86), while interrater reliability was very good on both days (ICC2,1 = .87-.88). Finally, the standard errors of measurement were low for the axilla position (0.20 Nm/kg; 95% CI .15, .28) and midtrunk position (0.09 Nm/kg; 95% CI .07, .12).
Conclusions:
Maximum lateral trunk-flexion strength can be reliably measured in athletic individuals with greater overall strength. Based on the 2 positions used in this study, measurement with a dynamometer placement at the midtrunk may be more reliable than that obtained at the axilla.
