Hand-held dynamometry fixated with a tripod is reliable for assessment of back extensor strength in women with osteoporosis.

Gitte Valentin; Thomas Maribo
An appropriate method to assess back extensor strength in clinical practice has not yet been described. Our results showed that a hand-held dynamometry fixated with a tripod is reliable for assessing back extensor strength in women with osteoporosis.
Introduction:
Back strengthening exercises play an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Evaluation of the effect of back strengthening exercises requires a method suitable for use in clinical practice to measure back extensor strength. A hand-held dynamometer (HHD) is quick and easy to handle in clinical practice. Currently, there is a lack of evidence whether a HHD is reliable for assessment of back extensor strength in people with osteoporosis. When using a HHD, it may be difficult for the tester to provide a counter pressure corresponding to the effort of the patient. In order to accommodate this, we have developed a tripod and a belt system, which was used to fixate the HHD. This study examined the intra-tester reliability of back extensor strength assessment in women with osteoporosis using a HHD.
Methods:
Back extensor strength of the participants was measured on two events with 7-day intervals. Test procedures were standardized, and all tests were performed by the same tester.
Results:
Forty-eight women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures were included in the analysis. The coefficient of variation was 22 % using a HHD fixated by the tester and 17 % using a HHD fixated with the tripod. ICC was 0.75 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.63 and 0.88) when using a HHD with fixated by the tester and 0.90 (95 % CI, 0.84 and 0.95) when using a HHD fixated with the tripod.
Conclusion:
A HHD fixated with a tripod is reliable for the assessment of back extensor strength in women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures.

Download Hand-held dynamometry fixated with a tripod is reliabllefor assessment of back extensor strength_Osteoporos_2014.pdf

Hand-held dynamometry fixated with a tripod is reliable for assessment of back extensor strength in women with osteoporosis.

Udgivelsesform Videnskabelige artikler
År 2014
Udgiver Osteoporos Int. 2014 Aug;25(8):2143-9.

Kontaktperson

Gitte Valentin

Gitte Valentin

+45 2427 6188

givale@rm.dk

Forfattere

Gitte Valentin; Thomas Maribo