Master thesis, programme in Medicine

Muscle Strength Measurement in the Upper Limb – Evaluation of a Novel Device

Simon Åkerblom, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden 2014.
Supervisor: Professor Jan Fridén, Dept of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Additional contributor: Associate professor Carl Göran Hagert, Lund University
Abstract
Background
A prototype of a device for accurate and objective strength measurements of the muscles of
the upper extremity has been developed. Additionally, a method for clinical diagnostics of
nerve damage in the upper extremity by testing the function of nine key muscles out of the 60
muscles in the arm and hand has been proposed.
Aim
To test the feasibility of a muscle strength measurement prototype, and to create a reference
material for the muscles proposed for diagnostic examination of the upper extremity.
Method
14 healthy individuals were tested with regard to maximum strength in the nine muscles
proposed for testing using the prototype.
Results
As expected, the shoulder, elbow and wrist movers were the strongest muscles while the
intrinsic hand muscles were the weakest. Peak results ranged from 273.9N (FCR) to 37.6
(ADM). Muscle strength data demonstrated a typical pattern.
Discussion
Using the results gained it is possible to make predictions as to how individuals with
neurological deficits will perform while tested using the prototype.
Conclusions
The initial results in testing healthy control subjects suggest that further testing should be
done in an expanded control material and clinically.