Validity of isometric muscle strength measurements of the shoulder joint using a hand-held dynamometer and belt: A comparison with an isokinetic dynamometer

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the validity of a measurement method using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) fixed by a belt in the measurement of shoulder muscle strength. [Subjects] Twenty healthy young adults. [Method] Measurements of upper limb muscle strength in shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, and internal and external rotation were made by two testers (A and B) with a HHD. The validity of the measurements made with the HHD were investigated using the values of Biodex measurements as an external standard. [Results] Pearson correlation coefficients showed that for both of the testers, there were significant correlations between the testers’ measurements and the Biodex standard for all of the items measured. [Conclusion] Shoulder muscle strength measurements made with a HDD and belt have high validity, and they should provide data which is robust in comparison to other methods in clinical practice.