This research paper explores the effectiveness, validity, and reliability for hand-held dynamometers and manual muscle testing for the evaluation of isometric muscle strength in appendicular joints. A comparison between the two methods is then examined.
The topic for this research paper is a comparison of hand held dynamometers versus manual muscle testing for evaluating voluntary isometric muscle strength in appendicular joints. Literature citings demonstrate efficacy for individual techniques.
Hinderer, hinderer, and Deitz (1986) studied the reliability of HHD compared to the myometer. Attempts were made to determine clinical significance of changes in strength detected compared to traditional methods of testing; reliability and standard error of measurement were established. This study compared interrater, test-retest, and intratrial reliability, standard errors of measurement, validity of readings, subjective ratings of therapists and subjects, and instrument features in upper and lower extremity muscle groups of normal women (ages 20 years to 40 years). Test-retest interval was five to 10 days. Results showed that examiners maintained high procedural reliability levels (99 percent). Reliability coefficients ranged from 0.61 to 0.99. The myometer measured more accurately and was rated higher by subjects and therapists for comfort and degrees of steadiness (8:693).
Hand-held dynamometers (HHD) were investigated in 1992 by Effgen and Brown. This study explored long-term stability of HHD measurements of isometric force production of upper- and lower-extremity muscle groups. A HHD was used to test 12 children with myelomeningocele, before and after a 23-day interval. This study attempted to eliminate bias with blind examiners; interrater reliability was assessed on each testing day for randomly selected muscle groups (5:458-465).
Results of this study demonstrated that most muscle groups had excellent stabil...