Validation and reliability of a modified sphygmomanometer for the assessment of handgrip strength in Parkinson´s disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is currently considered a predictor of overall muscle strength and functional capacity. Therefore, it is important to find reliable and affordable instruments for this analysis, such as the modified sphygmomanometer test (MST). OBJECTIVES: To assess the concurrent criterion validity of the MST, to compare the MST with the Jamar dynamometer, and to analyze the reproducibility (i.e. reliability and agreement) of the MST in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHOD: The authors recruited 50 subjects, 24 with PD (65.5±6.2 years of age) and 26 healthy elderly subjects (63.4±7.2 years of age). The handgrip strength was measured using the Jamar dynamometer and modified sphygmomanometer. The concurrent criterion validity was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and a simple linear regression test. The reproducibility of the MST was evaluated with the coefficient of intra-class correlation (ICC2,1), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the minimal detectable change (MDC), and the Bland-Altman plot. For all of the analyses, α≤0.05 was considered a risk. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation of moderate magnitude (r≥0.45) between the MST and the Jamar dynamometer. The MST had excellent reliability (ICC2,1≥0.7). The SEM and the MDC were adequate; however, the Bland-Altman plot indicated an unsatisfactory interrater agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The MST exhibited adequate validity and excellent reliability and is, therefore, suitable for monitoring the handgrip strength in PD. However, if the goal is to compare the measurements between examiners, the authors recommend that the data be interpreted with caution.

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

“…Higher pressure value was then necessary for proper calibration. Reliability studies are essential to assess the variability of an instrument to avoid misinterpretation of variables before and after interventions [17]. A previous study showed excellent test-retest reliability of the sT for shoulder internal and external rotator strength in healthy subjects (Icc > 0.90) [21].…”

“…A possible alternative to the HHD is the aneroid sphygmomanometer; a well-known and low-cost tool that is commonly acquired to assess blood pressure. 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].…”

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

“…In the present study, the three repetitions were considered for analysis (11,20), with no differences being observed between them (p ≥ 0.90). Other studies also did not identify differences (9,10).…”

“…2017;30(Suppl 1):S139-50 the studies with similar samples (2,7,14,15,29), the number of individuals evaluated was restricted. This is a common situation when using a sample of amputees, as well as in other health conditions that present different situations (10,11).…”

“…In addition, satisfactory results of concurrent criterion validity (0.75 ≤ r ≤ 0.90; p ≤ 0.001), test-retest reliability (0.77 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98; p ≤ 0.001) and interrater reliability (0.53 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.91, p ≤ 0.001) have guaranteed the use of the equipment for measuring strength directed at various muscle groups (10). The aneroid sphygmomanometer test (AST) has also been used to evaluate the strength of healthy individuals (22,12) and those with various health conditions, such as Parkinson's disease (11), stroke (9, 10), neck pain (21), hip fracture (23) and rheumatoid arthritis (20).…”