Diagnostics (Jan 2022)

Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of a Novel Push Low-Cost Hand-Held Dynamometer for Knee Strength Assessment during Different Force Ranges

  • Maria de Cássia Macedo,
  • Matheus Almeida Souza,
  • Kariny Realino Ferreira,
  • Laura Oliveira Campos,
  • Igor Sérgio Oliveira Souza,
  • Michelle Almeida Barbosa,
  • Ciro José Brito,
  • Leonardo Intelangelo,
  • Alexandre Carvalho Barbosa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12010186
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
p. 186

Abstract

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The objective was to assess the instrumental validity and the test–retest reliability of a low-cost hand-held push dynamometer adapted from a load-cell based hanging scale (tHHD) to collect compressive forces in different ranges of compressive forces. Three independent raters applied 50 pre-established compressions each on the tHHD centered on a force platform in three distinct ranges: ~70 N, ~160 N, ~250 N. Knee isometric strength was also assessed on 19 subjects in two sessions (48 h apart) using the tHHD anchored by an inelastic adjustable strap. Knee extension and flexion were assessed with the participant seated on a chair with the feet resting on the floor, knees, and hips flexed at 90°. The isometric force peaks were recorded and compared. The ICC and the Cronbach’s α showed excellent consistency and agreement for both instrumental validity and test–retest reliability (range: 0.89–0.99), as the correlation and determination coefficients (range: 0.80–0.99). The SEM and the MDC analysis returned adequate low values with a coefficient of variation less than 5%. The Bland–Altman results showed consistency and high levels of agreement. The tHHD is a valid method to assess the knee isometric strength, showing portability, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendly interface to provide an effective form to assess the knee isometric strength.

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