Reliability of Myotonometry in the Assessment of Mechanical Properties of Thenar Muscles

Reliability and Sex-Based Variations in Myotonometer Assessment of Thenar Muscle Properties: Implications for Grip Strength

This study aimed to (i) assess the reliability of myotonometer measurements in determining the mechanical properties of thenar muscle in healthy individuals and explore gender-based variations in these properties; (ii) examine the relationship between pinch grip strength and these mechanical properties.

Investigating the mechanical properties of hand muscles using simple applicable methods such as myotonometer can help to evaluate the effectiveness of programs used in hand rehabilitation, optimize the skills of performance-oriented individuals such as athletes and musicians, and create individualized treatment and training programs. In musculoskeletal-related pathologies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, studying the mechanical properties of the thenar muscles may be important to better understand hand grip strength, hand function and mobility. However, the use of myotonometer in the evaluation of the mechanical properties of the thenar muscles requires a reliability study. Accordingly, the aims of our study are: to (i) assess the reliability of myotonometer measurements in determining the mechanical properties of thenar muscle in healthy individuals and explore gender-based variations in these properties; (ii) examine the relationship between pinch grip strength and these mechanical properties.

Inclusion criteria:

• being between 18 and 35 years of age
• having normal upper extremity function
• having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) score > 26 points

Exclusion criteria:

• any neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disease
• history of upper limb injury
• upper limb surgery within the last 6 months
• body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2.