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Published on: July 5, 2017
Reliability, minimal detectable change and measurement errors in knee extension muscle strength measurement using a
Koji Shigeshima1, Hiroshi Yamasaki1, Kunihiro Katayama1
1Division of Physical Therapy, Kochi Professional University of Rehabilitation: 1139-3 Takaoka-cho, Tosa-shi, Kochi 781-1102, Japan.
Abstract:
[Purpose] Few studies have assessed the reliability of muscle strength measurement using a hand-held dynamometer, specifically in Japanese young children. This study aims to investigate the reliability, minimal detectable change and measurement error in knee extension muscle strength measurements in young children using a hand-held dynamometer. [Participants and Methods] The study participants comprised 36 kindergarten-enrolled children of 3-6 years age. An experienced physiotherapist measured their isometric knee extension strength. Appropriate orientation and practices were performed prior to measurement. The same physiotherapist took the muscle measurements twice; and the maximum value was used as the muscle strength value. The measurements were repeated at intervals of approximately 30 min to verify reproducibility. [Results] The initial isometric knee extension strength was 10.6 ± 3.3 kgf and the Intra-class correlation coefficient (1,1) was 0.765. The standard error of measurement was 1.6 kgf and the minimal detectable change was 4.4 kgf. No significant systematic errors were observed. [Conclusion] Isometric knee extension strength measurement using a hand-held dynamometer in young children has good reliability with a low risk of systematic errors.
