ITEMS

modern scholarly publishers in the finest tradition

Journals

	Search

Critical Reviews™ in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

ISSN for PRINT: 0896-2960

Institutional price:	$684.00
Issues per year:	4

2002, Volume14

94 pages

Issue price - $163.00

Wrist Strength Measurement: A Review of Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Isokinetic Dynamometry

Monica Broniecki
Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia

Esther May
School of Occupational Therapy, Head, School of Health Sciences, School of Occupational Therapy, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, South Australia

Mary Russell
School of Occupational Therapy, University of South Australia

ABSTRACT

In a clinical setting, direct measures of wrist strength are used as indicators for treatment or to determine the benefits of intervention. Isokinetic dynamometers are instruments that are used to assess the strength of various muscle groups, including the muscles acting on the wrist. However, there are particular factors associated with the wrist that make measuring wrist strength more difficult. These factors have an impact on the reliability of the measurement process and the capacity for clinicians to confidently use the data produced. An understanding of factors that affect the reliability when using isokinetic dynamometers to assess wrist strength will assist clinicians and researchers to better interpret the measurements produced. The aim of this literature review is to explore the intrarater and interrater reliability of isokinetic dynamometers in general, and the impact of these general considerations when using such instruments to assess the strength of muscle groups acting on the wrist. This review is based on the relevant literature, which includes articles published from 1982 to 2000, with some key articles in the period of 1963 to 1982. A range of journals with a focus on rehabilitation, movement, and exercise science were included. The variables that affect reliability are discussed in turn, and key characteristics that would need to be considered if a new instrument were to be developed for assessing wrist strength are identified.