The use of a sphygmomanometer to measure shoulder isometric strength: a validity and reliability study

Abstract

Introduction: A sphygmomanometer is an instrument commonly used to measure blood pressure that can potentially be used to objectively assess shoulder isometric muscle strength. Objective: To establish the criterion validity and the intra-rater reliability of the sphygmomanometer for the assessment of shoulder isometric muscular strength compared to the handheld dynamometer. To determine if there is a statistically significant difference for shoulder strength between dominant and non-dominant sides. Methods: A test-retest study design was developed, where a rater assessed shoulder flexion and abduction isometric strength of 13 healthy university students, using a commercially available sphygmomanometer and a handheld dynamometer. Results: The criterion validity of the sphygmomanometer was found to be good for both right and left shoulder flexion and abduction strength assessment (Pearson's r = 0.90-0.97). The intra-rater reliability of the sphygmomanometer was calculated to be good for both right and left flexion and abduction (ICC = 0.96-0.99). The handheld dynamometer also showed good intra-rater reliability for each of the strength measures assessed (ICC = 0.94-0.98). Significant differences (p < 0.01) were identified between dominant and non-dominant sides for shoulder strength. Conclusion: A sphygmomanometer is a simple and easily accessible tool that provides clinicians with accurate objective values for isometric shoulder strength assessment.

Fototerapia melhora a capacidade muscular em idosos: estudo clínico randomizado cruzado duplo-cego

“…", logo após, os valores da força de pico foram registrados e considerado o melhor de três. Os participantes eram instruídos a não realizar movimentos compensatórios [17,18].…”

Inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of physical examination test used to measure positional faults of the shoulder girdle in healthy individuals

“…The distance from the inferior angle of the scapula to the nearest vertebral spinous process was measured using a measuring tape in three positions: (1) shoulder in anatomical resting position (neutral), (2) shoulder at 40-45 degrees of frontal plane abduction with hands resting on hips, and (3) shoulder at 90 degrees abduction and complete internal rotation. [10,11,12,13,14,15]…”