Portable fixed dynamometry: towards remote muscle strength measurements in patients with motor neuron disease

Neurology Journal

Fecha de publicación: 23 de diciembre de 2020

Autores: Jaap N. E. Bakers, Leonard H. van den Berg, Toju G. Ajeks, Maxine J. Holleman, Jill Verhoeven, Anita Beelen, Johanna M. A. Visser-Meily & Ruben P. A. van Eijk 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10366-9

Background: We aimed to determine (1) the test–retest reliability of a newly developed portable fixed dynamometer (PFD) as compared to the hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in patients with motor neuron disease (MND) and (2) the PFD’s ability to reduce possible examiner-induced ceiling effects. Methods: Test–retest reliability of isometric muscle strength of the quadriceps was measured in patients with MND and non-neurological controls using the HHD and PFD. Reliability was estimated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) using linear mixed effects models, and the Bland–Altman method of agreement.