Assessment of muscular strength with the modified sphygmomanometer test: what is the best method and source of outcome values?

Abstract

Background Tests that are usually employed for the clinical assessment of muscular strength have notable disadvantages. The Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) is a promising method because it is low-cost and provides objective measures. Objectives To investigate the most adequate method and sources of outcome values for the assessment of strength with the MST. Method Methodological study with 40 healthy adults (22.98±2.26 years), who did not practice physical activity regularly. The strength of the flexors and extensors of the elbow and knee, the handgrip of the dominant side and anterior trunk flexors were randomly assessed with portable dynamometers and the MST (bag and cuff adaptations, and sphygmomanometer without adaptation) by a single examiner. An independent examiner read and recorded the values. The sources of the investigated outcome values were the first trial and the means of two and three trials. One-way ANOVAs and Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used for the analyses (α=0.05). Results For the MST methods applied to assess all muscular groups, similar values were found for all sources of outcome values (0.01<F<0.26; 0.77<p<1.00) with significant and positive correlations between the measures obtained with the dynamometers (0.51<r<0.94; p<0.003). Conclusions All MST methods showed adequate results for the assessment of strength in healthy individuals, and after familiarization, only one trial was sufficient to provide reliable measures. The sphygmomanometer without adaptation is not time consuming, compared to the other adaptations, and showed the capability of measuring higher values of strength. The bag method was easily trained to be used and stabilized.

Prediction of Jamar Grip Strength Value Using Modified Aneroid Spyhgmomanometer Cuff Method

“…A modified sphygmomanometer can potentially be used in daily clinical practice, due to its portability, lower price, and softer surface, making it more comfortable to grip. 12,13 This study has produced the a formula to predict the Jamar grip strength value using sphygmomanometer in adult. Based on the statistical analysis, this formula is valid to be used in adults in West Java population.…”

“…Cuff method needs to be simple with quick preparation. 12 This method is suitable for everyday use because it does not require a dedicated sphygmomanometer as it still can be used for blood pressure measurement.…”

Força muscular e habilidade de locomoção em indivíduos pós-acidente vascular encefálico crônico

“…The positions were standardized and followed the descriptions of Souza et al 20 . After the familiarization, a maximum contraction of each muscle group was performed, with a duration of five seconds and a rest period of 20 seconds between the measurements, which were initiated by the non-paretic side and had verbal stimulation 22 .…”

Validity and reliability of shoulder strength assessment during scaption, internal rotation and external rotation using an anchored, non-modified sphygmomanometer

“…studies have shown moderate reliability of the sphygmomanometer, when compared to an HHD, to assess hand grip strength in Parkinson's disease [17], upper limb muscles after stroke [2] and isometric strength of hip muscles [18]. some of those studies also showed adaptations on the sphygmomanometer, such as removing the inflatable cuff, to assess isometric muscle strength [17,19,20]. Nevertheless, it is important to perform strength tests without adaptations in the equipment to ensure its usefulness in daily assessments.…”

“…Nevertheless, it is important to perform strength tests without adaptations in the equipment to ensure its usefulness in daily assessments. To reinforce the tool's consistency, both adapted (the sphygmomanometer without the inflatable cuff) and non-adapted (manufacturer's original sphygmomanometer) methods showed significant and adequate correlations with the HHD, requiring only one repetition after familiarization, to properly assess the muscle strength in healthy individuals [20].…”