Reliability of Elbow Flexion and Extension Strength Measurement Protocols Using a Hand-held Dynamometer

Reliability of Elbow Flexion and Extension Strength Measurement Protocols Using a Hand-held Dynamometer

The aim of the study was to investigate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of elbow strength measurement procedures performed in different body postures and shoulder and elbow positions using a hand-held dynamometer in healthy individuals and to determine the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) values for these procedures.

Healthy university students aged 18 years and older will be included in the study. Elbow flexion and extension strength will be measured in both arms in different body postures and shoulder and elbow positions using a hand-held dynamometer. Thus, the reliability of these procedures will be investigated, and the standard error of the measurement and the minimum detectable change will be determined. Strength measurements will be performed by two physiotherapists on each arm of the participants and repeated between 3 - 7 days after the measurement to evaluate both intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.

3 different positions will be used for elbow flexion:

1. Participants sit on a stool, and their arms are at the side with the elbow flexed 90° (forearm in supination).
2. Participants sit on a stool, and their shoulder and elbow are flexed to 90° (forearm in supination) and supported on the treatment table.
3. Participants lie supine and place their shoulders on neutral position and elbow flexed 90° (forearm in supination).

3 different positions will be used for elbow extension:

1. Participants sit on a stool, and their shoulder and elbow are flexed to 90° (forearm in supination) and supported on the treatment table.
2. Participants lie supine and place their shoulders on neutral position and elbow flexed 90° (forearm in supination).
3. Participants lie prone, and their shoulders аre placed at 90° abduction and elbows flexed to 90°.

Inclusion Criteria:

-Being older than 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having neck, shoulder, elbow or forearm injuries in the last 6 months,
• Having upper extremity or neck fracture or surgical history
• Symptoms related to the neck, shoulder, elbow, and forearm at the time of assessment
• Having neurological or systemic musculoskeletal diseases or disorders
• Having a diagnosis of chest deformity or scoliosis
• Doing regular exercise related to upper extremity for the last year