The measurement of isokinetic fingers flexion strength

Objective. To investigate the feasibility of using isokinetic dynamometry for measuring the dynamic strength of the fingers flexors. Subjects. Sixteen healthy women aged 19-52. Design. Flexion strength was measured isometrically using a Jamar dynamometer and isokinetically using a special attachment which was harnessed to a KinCom 125 dynamometer. In the series comprising the dynamic measurements, the elements of contraction mode (concentric vs eccentric), test velocity (low, medium and high) and isometric preactivation bias (low vs high) were incorporated. Results. Dynamic strength parameters manifested expected physiological relationships both within their own frame of reference and with respect to the static measures. Conclusion. Based on various facets of validity it is suggested that isokinetic dynamometry offers a valid venue for measuring fingers flexion strength. Furthermore, this study allows a selection of test parameters for the standardization of this measurement. Relevance The standard method for assessing grip strength is based on using a simple dynamometer for measuring isometric contractions of the long finger flexors. However, very little is known about the dynamic behavior of these muscles in terms of both their concentric and eccentric strength. Such information may be relevant to hand surgery and rehabilitation as well as to the understanding of some basic operational parameters of the human hand. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.