Muscular strength definition: “the ability of the neuro- muscular system to generate force. The expression of muscular strength is dependent on the nervous system's ability to recruit motor units and the contractile capabilities of the muscle fibres”, (T. Jeff Chandler, Lee E. Brown – 2008)
Test used to measure muscular strength: The test that is used to measures ones strength is the Grip Dynamometer
1. The athlete begins by holding the dynamometer in the hand that is being tested. 2. “The arm at right angles and the elbow by the side of the body. The handle of the dynamometer is adjusted if required - the base should rest on first metacarpal (heel of palm), while the handle should rest on middle of four fingers”, (Top End Sports, 2013) 3. The subject then squeezes the dynamometer with maximum effort. 4. The individual performing the test should be given encouragement. 5. Click this link to view a video of the test being performed: http://www.topendsports.com/videos/category/testing/strength/grip/ Refer to this video for further help on performing the test. 6. The test is repeated 3 times on each hand. 7. The dominant hand usually has a higher score, “The non-dominant hand usually scores about 10% lower”, (Top End Sports, 2014)
There is another way to perform the Grip Dynamometer test. 1. The arm being tested is raised above the head so the Dynamometer is facing the ceiling. Then the athlete suddenly brings his arm downwards and squeezes the equipment whist bringing his arm down to his side. 2. The Euro fit Test Manual recommends the subject to squeeze the dynamometer for 3 seconds.
ADVANTAGES: 1. There are two types of grip dynamometers, the electrical dynamometer is more precise and reads your score for you, instead of you having to rely on an administrator. 2. This test can be performed almost anywhere and minimal equipment is required. 3. It is a quick and effective test for testing strength in the hand and forearm. 4. There is normative data that has been collected, this will benefit participants as they can compare and contrast their results to the norms and then research and plan programmes to improve their muscular strength. Click the link provided to view the normative data of the grip dynamometer scores: http://www.nrpt.co.uk/training/tests/strength/grip.htm 5. This is a good test to measure an athlete’s hand and forearm strength, this test can benefit sport performers that need good lower arm strength, such as rugby players who are required to grip strongly. 6. This test takes a matter of 30 seconds, the test is performed 3 times and the best of 3 is taken as the final results.
DISADVANTAGES: 1. Only measures the strength within the hands and forearms. This test would not be beneficial for those who are wanting to measure overall strength, leg strength and even core strength.
2. Need someone to look at the dial on the dynamometer and they might not be able to read it as the participant may not be able to keep the dial steady, which results in unreliable results. To prevent this from happening there is an electrical dynamometer which reads the score and shows up on screen. Click this link to purchase the electrical dynamometer: http://www.newitts.com/product/IT060604/Takei_5401_Hand_Grip_Digital_Dynamometer.htm
Validity: This test does not take into consideration general strength and only focuses on the strength in the hand and forearm.
Reliability: Many factors can influence the strength of the Grip, this includes “hand dominance, fatigue, time of day, age, nutritional status, restricted motion, and pain”, (Johns Hopkins, 2003) therefore when the test is repeated the athlete must have retained similar nutritional status, restricted motion, time of the day and fatigue levels. According to Top End Sports, (2013), the calibration of the test should be perfected before the athlete begins the test, as this can greatly affect the final results. It could either improve the results or decrease the results, either way it wouldn’t be reliable as it prevents the coach and athlete from seeing truthful improvements.
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