An examination of limb position for measuring toe-grip strength

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the limb position at which the maximum toe-grip strength could be exerted as well as measurement reproducibility. [Subjects] Twenty healthy young women were selected. [Methods] We measured toe-grip strength under three conditions: 90° hip and knee flexion while sitting, 90° hip flexion and knee extension while sitting, and a standing position. [Results] We found that toe-grip strength was significantly lower in the 90° hip flexion and knee extension sitting position than in the 90° hip and knee flexion sitting position and standing position. Moreover, the 90° hip and knee flexion sitting position produced the best intraclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.813). [Conclusion] The results suggest that 90° hip and knee flexion while sitting is the most suitable limb position for measuring toe-grip strength, as this position allows maximum strength to be exerted and allows measurements to be repeated.