Abstract
Introduction: Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) is a technique used for
evaluating muscle strength. The reproducibility and reliability of this
instrument have been little reported. Method: Healthy individuals aged
>18 years were recruited. Isometric strength was tested for
ten upper limb muscle groups. The fixed method was performed using a
system with suction cups connected to the dynamometer through an
inelastic belt. However, during the non-fixed method, the examiner
supported the device with the hand. The reproducibility and reliability
were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
Result: A total of 25 right-handed volunteers participated. The
reliability ICC values (0.89-0.99) of the non-fixed method were higher
than those of the fixed method (0.43-0.85). The reproducibility of the
non-fixed method was also superior to that of the fixed method.
Discussion: The comparison between the HHD methods suggested the
non-fixed method has greater reproducibility and reliability.