Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
The interrater reliability of force measurements using a modified sphygmomanometer in elderly subjects
C Kaegi1, M C Thibault, F Giroux
1Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Quebec, Canada. christine.kaegi@sympatico.ca
Background And Purpose:
Physical therapists working with elderly people require an instrument that provides reliable force measurements and can be used in a clinical setting. The modified sphygmomanometer has been identified as potentially fulfilling these requirements, yet there is an absence of research on the reliability of measurements taken with this instrument on elderly patients. This study was undertaken to investigate the interrater reliability of force measurements, in a group of elderly subjects, using a modified sphygmomanometer.
Subjects:
Thirty-six hospitalized subjects (mean age=75.28 years, SD=9.43, range=62-95) participated in the study.
Methods:
With the modified sphygmomanometer, 3 examiners evaluated the isometric force of the elbow extensors and hip extensors using a break test and a make test, respectively.
Results:
Intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) reflecting reliability were .87 for the elbow extensors and .65 for the hip extensors. The estimation of the components of variance for hip extensors revealed that these results were due in part to the raters but that random error contributed to a much larger extent.
Conclusion And Discussion:
The modified sphygmomanometer appears to be practical to use, and the high correlations found in this study for the elbow extensors suggest that reliable measurements can be obtained with this instrument. Further research is needed, however, to specify the manner in which the modified sphygmomanometer can be used when assessing different muscle groups.
More Related Videos
08:40Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
09:18Doppler Ultrasound-Based Leg Blood Flow Assessment During Single-Leg Knee-Extensor Exercise in an Uncontrolled Setting
Published on: December 15, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:21Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure