MEASUREMENT OF ANKLE ISOMETRIC MUSCULAR STRENGTH. DYNAMOMETER: METHOD DESCRIPTION.

Abstract

The amount of force exerted by a muscle translates their degree of efficiency, which can be examined through a muscle strength test. Besides there are many manual verification scales and repetition maximum tests, the force can be assessed by dynamometry. There are two major groups of dynamometers on the market: the isokinetic - with high precision, but high economic value for purchase, and the laptop used in the very clinical and more affordable. It can be found a large studies number, which validate the portable dynamometer use, with various force measurement protocolos, with different segments of the body and the most varied ways. It is known that muscle strength loss in lower limbs certain muscles, can generate balance deficits resulting in poor-quality motion and propensity to falls. This study describes an ankle strength assessing way, using a handheld digital dynamometer adapted to the articulation positioned in 90 °. This adjustment consists of two floors table. In the lower floor is fixed to the dynamometer load cell, which is attached one end of a steel cable. The other end is attached to a ratchet. On the table upper floor, are two holes for cable passage, where is positioned the volunteer foot or thigh. After this, subject does isometric dorsiflexion or plantiflexão. Giving due attention to the procedures and considerations of this text, the adaptation becomes a useful tool for assessing ankle isometric strength.