The influence of examiner sex and use of stabilizing belts on the reliability of hand-held dynamometer Lafayette®

• Grant number: 14/16120-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2014
• End date: May 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Marcelo Rodrigues Barbosa da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Measure muscular strength is important to propose a treatment plan, to verify the effectiveness of the therapy and as a measure for patient discharge. For this purpose there are several methods, including isokinetic dynamometer, which although it is considered the gold standard, has disadvantages in high cost, large amount of space, among others. Another option is the hand-held dynamometer, which has more accessible price, it is portable and easier to use, however, there are inconsistencies in results and lack of standardization in certain joints such as the knee and hip. The objectives of this project are to investigate the influence of the use of stabilizing belts on the reliability of the measurement of Lafayette® hand-held dynamometer for flexion and knee extension, adduction, abduction, flexion, extension, internal and external rotation of the hip and quantify the influence of examiner sex on the results of the hand-held dynamometer without the use of belts. Twenty-four subjects will be assessed by two examiners of different sexes in two days, the first day with and without the use of the belts by a male examiner and the second without the use of the belts by a female examiner. The results will be made by means of correlation coefficients for quantifying the relation and the repetition of the values found in the tests with and without the use of the belts and to compare inter-examiner. These results can provide knowledge that support the evaluation of a patient using a hand-held dynamometer in the clinical practice of a physical therapist, and provide data that can improve treatment and patient outcomes.