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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Validity and reliability of serratus anterior hand held dynamometry

Authors: Jos IJspeert, Hans C. J. W. Kerstens, Renske M. J. Janssen, Alexander C. H. Geurts, Nens van Alfen, Jan T. Groothuis

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Strength testing of the serratus anterior muscle with hand held dynamometry (HDD) in supine subjects has low reproducibility, and is influenced by compensatory activity of other muscles like the pectoralis major and upper trapezius. Previously, two manual maximum voluntary isometric contraction tests of the serratus anterior muscle were reported that recruited optimal surface electromyography (sEMG) activity in a sitting position. We adapted three manual muscle tests to make them suitable for HHD and investigated their validity and reliability.

Methods

Twenty-one healthy adults were examined by two assessors in one supine and two seated positions. Each test was repeated twice. Construct validity was determined by evaluating force production (assessed with HHD) in relation to sEMG of the serratus anterior, upper trapezius and pectoralis major muscles, comparing the three test positions. Intra- and interrater reliability were determined by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) smallest detectable change (SDC) and standard error of measurement (SEM).

Results

Serratus anterior muscle sEMG activity was most isolated in a seated position with the humerus in 90° anteflexion in the scapular plane. This resulted in the lowest measured force levels in this position with a mean force of 296 N (SEM 15.8 N). Intrarater reliability yielded an ICC of 0.658 (95% CI 0.325; 0.846) and an interrater reliability of 0.277 (95% CI -0.089;0.605). SDC was 127 Newton, SEM 45.8 Newton.

Conclusion

The results indicate that validity for strength testing of the serratus anterior muscle is optimal with subjects in a seated position and the shoulder flexed at 90° in the scapular plane. Intrarater reliability is moderate and interrater reliability of this procedure is poor. However the high SDC values make it difficult to use the measurement in repeated measurements.
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Metadata
Title
Validity and reliability of serratus anterior hand held dynamometry
Authors
Jos IJspeert
Hans C. J. W. Kerstens
Renske M. J. Janssen
Alexander C. H. Geurts
Nens van Alfen
Jan T. Groothuis
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2741-7

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