Clinician Foundation

Using a handheld dynamometer for muscle testing requires precision, consistency, and an understanding of force production mechanics. The following principles ensure accurate and repeatable assessments:

🔹 1. Make It or Brake It → Use two testing strategies:

• Concentric Isometric ("Make" Test) → The patient holds their position as the tester applies increasing force.

• Eccentric Isometric ("Break" Test) → The tester gradually overcomes the patient’s force, assessing their ability to resist.

🔹 2. Understand Joint Position & Force-Length Curve

• The muscle’s strength depends on where it is tested in its force-length relationship.

• Be intentional about joint angles and limb positioning to ensure standardized and meaningful comparisons.

🔹 3. Test Both Sides for Symmetry (Expect dominant arm to be 10% stronger than non dominant)

•  Always compare left and right sides to identify strength deficits.

• Consider relative (side-to-side) and absolute (global strength) comparisons.

🔹 4. Gradual Ramp-Up: No Quick Impulses

• Force application should be progressive, with a slow 3-second ramp-up to max effort.

• Avoid sudden force application, which can alter neuromuscular engagement and produce inconsistent results.

🔹 5. Standardized Setup for Consistency

• Patient positioning and tester technique must be identical every time.

• Use stable positions to prevent unwanted movement or compensations.

• Ensure consistent dynamometer placement and angle for reproducible readings.

🔹 6. Maximal Effort Requires Preparation

• Patients need a warm-up to activate neuromuscular pathways before max effort testing.

• Perform a few submaximal isometric reps before the actual test to build intensity.

• Proper patient setup and positioning ensure they can produce true maximal effort without compensation.

🔹 7. Stability Strength (Contractile Grade in Newtons or Pounds) or Stability Stamina (Time grade in seconds)

• Both are critical, but consider contractile strength precedes contractile stamina as you cannot test the single arm plank if the rotator cuff is not strong enough to tolerate the position.

• Stability Strength is best tested with a Dynamometer (often in tension but sometimes in compression)

• Stability Stamina is best tested with a moderate load (body weight or light to moderate load for time)

By following these principles, handheld dynamometer testing provides accurate, repeatable, and meaningful strength data, guiding clinical decision-making and performance optimization. 🚀

See Below for Joint/Muscle specific testing procedures using the handheld dynamometer.