Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment
Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide, often associated with deficits in trunk extensor strength control. Accurate assessment of trunk extension strength control is crucial for diagnosing impairments and monitoring interventions. This study evaluated the reliability of a dynamometry...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| author | Franciele Parolini Márcio Goethel Johan Robalino Klaus Becker Manoela Sousa Barbara C. Pulcineli Ulysses F. Ervilha João Paulo Vilas-Boas Rubim Santos |
| author_facet | Franciele Parolini Márcio Goethel Johan Robalino Klaus Becker Manoela Sousa Barbara C. Pulcineli Ulysses F. Ervilha João Paulo Vilas-Boas Rubim Santos |
| author_sort | Franciele Parolini |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide, often associated with deficits in trunk extensor strength control. Accurate assessment of trunk extension strength control is crucial for diagnosing impairments and monitoring interventions. This study evaluated the reliability of a dynamometry-based protocol for isometric trunk extension strength control assessment. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (9 females, 19 males) completed two sessions, seven days apart. A single-point load cell system, encapsulated within a 3D-printed structure and connected to a Delsys system<sup>®</sup> at a sampling frequency of 2000 Hz, was used for data acquisition. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and submaximal isometric contractions (SMVC) guided by trapezoidal visual feedback. Key outcome variables included peak force, mean force, and force steadiness. Calibration demonstrated high accuracy (R<sup>2</sup> = 1) with a low root mean square error (0.55 N). Test–retest analysis showed excellent reliability for peak force (ICC = 0.81, SEM = 0.50, MDC = 1.39), mean force (ICC = 0.93, SEM = 0.17, MDC = 1.08), and steadiness (ICC = 0.87, SEM = 0.85, MDC = 2.36), with no significant intersession differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05). This study demonstrates the high reliability of using dynamometry to assess trunk extension strength during MVC and SMVC, endorsing the dynamometer as a tool for functional assessment and the development of personalized rehabilitation and training strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3bf3518d5c8f4abb934946e959547419 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-3bf3518d5c8f4abb934946e9595474192025-08-20T03:14:16ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-04-01158408110.3390/app15084081Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness AssessmentFranciele Parolini0Márcio Goethel1Johan Robalino2Klaus Becker3Manoela Sousa4Barbara C. Pulcineli5Ulysses F. Ervilha6João Paulo Vilas-Boas7Rubim Santos8Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, PortugalPorto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, PortugalPorto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, PortugalPorto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, PortugalPorto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, PortugalLaboratory of Physical Activity Sciences, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-220, BrazilPorto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, PortugalPorto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, PortugalCenter for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, PortugalLow back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide, often associated with deficits in trunk extensor strength control. Accurate assessment of trunk extension strength control is crucial for diagnosing impairments and monitoring interventions. This study evaluated the reliability of a dynamometry-based protocol for isometric trunk extension strength control assessment. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (9 females, 19 males) completed two sessions, seven days apart. A single-point load cell system, encapsulated within a 3D-printed structure and connected to a Delsys system<sup>®</sup> at a sampling frequency of 2000 Hz, was used for data acquisition. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and submaximal isometric contractions (SMVC) guided by trapezoidal visual feedback. Key outcome variables included peak force, mean force, and force steadiness. Calibration demonstrated high accuracy (R<sup>2</sup> = 1) with a low root mean square error (0.55 N). Test–retest analysis showed excellent reliability for peak force (ICC = 0.81, SEM = 0.50, MDC = 1.39), mean force (ICC = 0.93, SEM = 0.17, MDC = 1.08), and steadiness (ICC = 0.87, SEM = 0.85, MDC = 2.36), with no significant intersession differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05). This study demonstrates the high reliability of using dynamometry to assess trunk extension strength during MVC and SMVC, endorsing the dynamometer as a tool for functional assessment and the development of personalized rehabilitation and training strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4081low back painmaximal voluntary contractionscustomized dynamometrymuscle function |
| spellingShingle | Franciele Parolini Márcio Goethel Johan Robalino Klaus Becker Manoela Sousa Barbara C. Pulcineli Ulysses F. Ervilha João Paulo Vilas-Boas Rubim Santos Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment Applied Sciences low back pain maximal voluntary contractions customized dynamometry muscle function |
| title | Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment |
| title_full | Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment |
| title_fullStr | Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment |
| title_full_unstemmed | Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment |
| title_short | Precision and Reliability of a Dynamometer for Trunk Extension Strength and Steadiness Assessment |
| title_sort | precision and reliability of a dynamometer for trunk extension strength and steadiness assessment |
| topic | low back pain maximal voluntary contractions customized dynamometry muscle function |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4081 |
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