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Reliability of muscle strength measures obtained with a hand‐held dynamometer in an elderly population
Author(s) -
Buckinx Fanny,
Croisier JeanLouis,
Reginster JeanYves,
Dardenne Nadia,
Beaudart Charlotte,
Slomian Justine,
Leonard Sylvain,
Bruyère Olivier
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical physiology and functional imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.608
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-097X
pISSN - 1475-0961
DOI - 10.1111/cpf.12300
Subject(s) - medicine , isometric exercise , dynamometer , intraclass correlation , ankle , elbow , physical therapy , reliability (semiconductor) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , biceps , population , surgery , psychometrics , clinical psychology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , aerospace engineering , engineering , environmental health
Summary Background The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of a hand‐held dynamometer for isometric strength measurements among nursing home residents. Methods The isometric muscle strength of nursing home residents was assessed for eight different muscle groups, using a hand‐held dynamometer, the Micro FET 2 device. Strength measurements were performed at baseline and after 4 days by the same operator and after 8 days by a second operator. Intraclass coefficients ( ICC ) were computed to assess the relative reliability, whereas the minimal detectable change ( MDC %) was calculated to assess the absolute reliability of the test–retest of the M icro FET 2 used by one single operator or by two different ones. Results Thirty nursing home residents (75·0 ± 11·2 years, 50% of women) were enrolled in this study. ICC of the test–retest with one single operator ranged from 0·60 (0·37–0·83) for the ankle extensors to 0·85 (0·74–0·95) for the elbow flexors. When considering the test–retest with two different operators, the ICC values ranged from 0·62 (0·41–0·84) for the ankle extensors to 0·87 (0·79–0·96) for the elbow extensors. For the absolute reliability, MDC % varies from 27·64 (elbow flexors) to 81·97 (ankle extensors) when performed in intra‐observer. In interobserver condition, MDC %, respectively, varies from 24·38 (elbow extensors) 67·59 (ankle extensors). Conclusion Using standardized protocol and standardized instructions to patients, a high relative and moderate absolute reliability was observed for all but ankle muscle groups, making this hand‐held dynamometer a potential tool for research in the elderly population.