AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO DETERMINE THE RELIABILITY OF MODIFIED DIGITAL  DYNAMOMETER TO CHECK THE STRENGTH OF FLEXOR HALLUCIS LONGUS MUSCLE

Original Research

SALT Journal of Scientific Research in Healthcare, Volume 4, Issue 1, Page 67-71, Published on 11^th June 2024, https://doi.org/10.56735/saltjsrh.ms2404016771

ABSTRACT

Purpose of the Study: To evaluate the reliability of a modified digital dynamometer for assessing the strength of the Flexor Hallucis Longus muscle (FHL) through maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Relevance: The device is easier to handle, portable, and more cost-effective than any other similar device to measure maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Participants: A total of 50 healthy subjects aged 18-30 were randomly recruited. Methods and Analysis: Subjects were seated in a high sitting position on the chair. A 4 mm board was placed under the sole except the toes. Participants were instructed to flex their great toe through a rope assembly attached to the modified digital dynamometer which was placed on a stable surface. The device measured the great toe flexor muscle strength in kilograms. The values were recorded independently by three observers and later values were converted into Newton. Result: The device shows excellent inter-rater reliability with an r value of 0.97, relative to FHL muscle strength. Conclusion: The tool is reliable in evaluating muscle strength through maximum voluntary contraction of the Flexor hallucis longus muscle, contributing to its potential use in clinical or research settings.

Keywords: Flexor hallucis longus muscle, muscle strength tool, modified digital dynamometer, maximum voluntary isometric contraction.