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Reliability of Different Protocols for Elbow Flexion and Extension Strength Measurement via Hand-held Dynamometer
Sevgi Sevi Yeşilyaprak1,2, Fatma Özden3,4, Damla Karabay5
1Menemen, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, İzmir Bakırçay University, Menemen, İzmir, Türkiye.
Summary
Hand-held dynamometer (HHD) measurements for elbow strength show excellent reliability in most positions for both males and females. However, specific seated elbow flexion tests in males demonstrated moderate reliability and systematic differences.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Accurate measurement of upper limb strength is crucial for clinical assessment and research.
- Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) is a common tool for assessing muscle strength, but its reliability across different positions needs thorough investigation.
- Understanding measurement variability is essential for interpreting changes in strength over time or in response to interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of elbow flexion and extension strength measurements using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD).
- To determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) for these measurements.
- To identify if measurement position influences reliability in healthy university students.
Main Methods:
- A reliability study involving 20 healthy university students.
- Elbow flexion and extension strength were measured by two physiotherapists in three distinct positions.
- Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, with MDC95% determined.
Main Results:
- Excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC range: 0.81-0.98) were observed for most measurements in both females and males.
- Moderate intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.72) was found for seated elbow flexion strength with the shoulder at 90-degree flexion in males.
- Systematic differences were noted in inter-rater elbow flexion results and some intra-rater results for males (p<0.05).
- MDC95% values ranged from 3.44 to 11.69 for intra-rater and 6.19 to 10.79 for inter-rater scores.
Conclusions:
- HHD measurements for elbow strength demonstrate high reliability across various positions for most individuals.
- Specific protocols, like seated elbow flexion in males, may require careful consideration due to moderate reliability and potential systematic bias.
- Factors such as individual muscle strength and tester experience should be considered when interpreting HHD strength data.
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