A Custom-Made Electronic Dynamometer for Evaluation of Peak Ankle Torque after COVID-19

Abstract

The negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the musculoskeletal system include symptoms of fatigue and sarcopenia. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on foot muscle strength and evaluate the reproducibility of peak ankle torque measurements in time by using a custom-made electronic dynamometer. In this observational cohort study, we compare two groups of four participants, one exposed to COVID-19 throughout measurements and one unexposed. Peak ankle torque was measured using a portable custom-made electronic dynamometer. Ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscle strength was captured for both feet at different ankle angles prior and post COVID-19. Average peak torque demonstrated no significant statistical differences between initial and final moment for both groups (p = 0.945). An increase of 4.8%, p = 0.746 was obtained in the group with COVID-19 and a decrease of 1.3%, p = 0.953 was obtained in the group without COVID-19. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.797). There was a very good test–retest reproducibility between the measurements in initial and final moments (ICC = 0.78, p < 0.001). In conclusion, peak torque variability is similar in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups and the custom-made electronic dynamometer is a reproducible method for repetitive ankle peak torque measurements.

Acute Effects of Sedentary Behavior on Ankle Torque Assessed with a Custom-Made Electronic Dynamometer

“…As no agreement has been stated on the most appropriate method for measuring the strength of the foot's intrinsic muscles [38], our study analysed peak ankle torque by measuring MVIC using a reliable [41] and reproducible [42] custom-made electronic dynamometer.…”

“…Bilaterally ankle torque measurements were performed for all participants using a reliable [41], reproducible [42], portable custom-made electronic dynamometer [44]. A simple diagram with the measurement system components is represented in Figure 1.…”

“…Figure 2 demonstrates the minimum required amount of space (~3 m 2 ) needed for the whole measurement system components and the participants' chair to be positioned in order to proceed to measurements. Bilaterally ankle torque measurements were performed for all participants using a reliable [41], reproducible [42], portable custom-made electronic dynamometer [44]. A simple diagram with the measurement system components is represented in Figure 1.…”

“…By capturing ankle torque through the evaluation of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), foot and ankle muscles that generated strength during a particular time interval and at the selected range of ankle joint motion can be precisely measured. Custommade electronic dynamometry showed to be a reliable method for the measurement of ankle torque in humans [41] and a reproducible dynamic method when foot muscle strength was assessed in two moments in time [42].…”

A Signal Processing Method for Assessing Ankle Torque with a Custom-Made Electronic Dynamometer in Participants Affected by Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

“…By improving the already existing methods, enhanced muscle testing procedures were studied, demonstrating that ankle torque measured by portable, custom-made electronic dynamometry is a reliable [2] and reproducible method [13] in both healthy individuals and those affected by acute conditions.…”