ASSESSMENT OF MUSCULAR STRENGHT IN DIFFERENT POPULATIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle strength (MS) is the system's ability to produce skeletal muscle tension and torque. This is essential for daily living tasks and sporting activities. MS values are used to identify individuals at risk for musculoskeletal injuries and can also serve to evaluate physical fitness for sports practice, which makes it an important measure. Objective: To investigate the methods used for quantitative assessment of MS. Material and Methods: we performed bibliographic searches in the electronic database Scielo of articles published between 2007 and 2011. The descriptors “Muscle strength” and “força muscular” were used in the searches of originals articles in Portuguese and English investigating quantitative MS of lower and upper limbs. A total of 37 articles were analyzed. Results: Among the studies analyzed, there was a heterogeneity regarding the MS procedure. The most commonly used MS assessment method was the dynamometer, followed by the test of 1 maximum repetition (MR) and 10 MR tests. Conclusion: The mostly used methods for MS quantitative assessment was the dynamometer and 1 MR test. However, it was not possible to establish a standard method to assess MS. DESCRIPTORS Muscle Strength, Biomechanics, Physical Therapy Specialty, Muscle Strength Dynamometer.