Device for Measuring Lower Leg Muscle Strength

Abstract

A device for determining the strength of isometric muscle contractions in flexors and extensors of the foot is described. A feature of the device is the ability to test muscles during positioning the foot at the ankle joint at angles between 80 and 115° and to determine the functional optimum (Blix isometric maximum) as a criterion for the range of the optimum conditions of muscle functioning, having diagnostic significance in evaluating muscle functionality. The absolute and force-to-weight parameters of the investigated muscle groups of healthy people according to sex, age, and functional specialization are given, which may serve as regulatory guidelines for severity assessment of motor pathology. The results of dynamometer assessment of muscle reflect the clinical picture and enable refining tactics and character of rehabilitation measures according to features of the recovery process.