Sphygmomanometer test to evaluate muscle strength in individuals with lower limb amputation: validity and reliability

Abstract

Introduction: The sphygmomanometer test is an alternative and inexpensive method for assessment of muscle strength. This instrument was considered valid and reliable to measure the isometric strength in different health conditions, however, in individuals with limb amputations the properties of this instrument for this purpose, have not been investigated. Objective: To investigate the concurrent criterion validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the aneroid sphygmomanometer test (AST) without modification, for assessment of the strength of subjects with lower limb amputations. Methods: Twenty-two subjects (57.6 ± 15.2 years) with lower limb amputations were included in this study. Maximum isometric force was assessed with a handheld dynamometer (microFet2®) and the AST. To identify differences between trials, one-way ANOVA was applied. To assess the concurrent criterion validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the AST, Pearson’s correlation coefficients of determination and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Results: For all muscle groups, no differences were observed between the trials (0.00001 ≤ F ≤ 0.10; 0.90 ≤ p ≤ 0.99). Significant, positive, and high to very high correlations were found between the HHD and the AST measures for the different numbers of trials for all assessed muscles (0.76 ≤ r ≤ 0.93; p ≤ 0.02). Test-retest (0.67 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97) and inter-rater reliabilities (0.78 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97) were adequate. The values obtained with the AST were good predictors of those obtained with HHD (0.58 ≤ r2 ≤ 0.85). Conclusion: For individuals with lower limb amputation, the AST showed adequate concurrent criterion validity, test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability for the assessment of lower limbs muscle strength.

Assessing muscle strength of persons with transfemoral amputation with and without a prosthesis: A cross-sectional study

“…However, most studies investigating muscle strength of the residual limb in people with LLA were conducted without the prosthesis. 7,10,13…”

“…[3][4][5] In people with transfemoral amputation (TFA), the loss of lower limb muscle mass may influence muscle strength and functional mobility. 6 However, muscle strength of the residual limb must also be considered for an adequate return of functional mobility in people with LLA 7 ; therefore, its evaluation is important to improve physical functioning during rehabilitation. Hewson et al 8 identified muscle weakness in prosthesis users, resulting in impaired balance, mobility, and endurance.…”

“…However, most studies investigating muscle strength of the residual limb in people with LLA were conducted without the prosthesis. 7,10,13 Literature lacks studies comparing muscle strength of the residual limb with and without the prosthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the peak of isometric strength of the residual limb (ISRL) during flexion, extension, and abduction with and without the prosthesis in people with TFA.…”