Article

Although evidence suggests that tester strength limits the magnitude of isometric
force that can be measured using a handheld dynamometer (HHD), previous studies
have not investigated the actual limits of force magnitude that can be measured
by trained testers when a belt is or is not used to stabilize the dynamometer.
Therefore, the primary aims of this study were to determine: 1) the magnitude of
knee extension forces that could be measured with a HHD with and without
belt-stabilization and 2) the relationship between tester characteristics and
knee extension strength measured with and without belt-stabilization. The
characteristics of 20 trained testers (10 men, 10 women) were determined.
Thereafter, they measured isometric knee extension strength using the MicroFET
HHD with and without belt-stabilization. Paired t-tests were used to compare
maximal knee extension forces under two conditions. Pearson product-moment
correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between tester
characteristics and knee extension forces measured under the two conditions. Knee
extension forces (Newtons) measured using the HHD without belt-stabilization
(470.6 +/- 179.8) were significantly lower (t = -7.968, p < 0.001) than those
measured with belt-stabilization (866.9 +/- 131.7). Pearson correlations between
tester characteristics and knee extension forces measured with no
belt-stabilization were all statistically significant (p </= 0.002); however, the
correlations were not statistically significant under the belt-stabilization
condition. The forces that can be measured with a HHD are higher than those
suggested by previous researchers. By rectifying limitations imposed by tester
strength, use of a belt allows very high knee extension forces to be measured.

Langue : ANGLAIS