Hand Dynamometer
Definition:
Force measurements involve collecting signals that can indicate forces during locomotion and torque or power of the hand while gripping.
Amplitude:
Grip strengths (lb) for adults 20-49 years old
Male:
111.1 left hand; 116.8 right hand
Female:
67.4 left hand; 72.4 right hand
Typical Applications:
Force measurements are used in a variety of applications, specifically in medicine and sports. In medicine, grip strength is used to diagnose diseases, evaluate treatments, and indicate changes in strength after surgery or a rehabilitation program. Alternatively, grip strength measurements can be used in sports to evaluate characteristics of the athlete’s strength, such as in boxing.
Typical BioRadio Configuration:
- When using the hand dynamometer, make sure you are set to Advanced View when programming your BioRadio:
- Coupling: DC
- Range: ±35 mV
Typical Setup:
Step 1:
Place the hand dynamometer flat on its side on the table. Step 2:
With no load on the hand dynamometer, click on "Zero Force Sensor". This will remove any offset from the transducer.
Calibration:
If you wish to calibrate your hand dynamometer signal, follow this protocol:
- Apply weights with known measurements (such as no weights, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 15 pounds) to the hand dynamometer one at a time.
- Record the output voltage for each weight
- Plot the weight (x-axis) versus the voltage output (y-axis) in a spreadsheet
- Right-click on one of the data points and select Add Trendline
- Under the Type tab, select Linear
- Under the Options tab, select "Display equation on chart" and click OK
- An equation in the format y=mx+b should be displayed: m is the gain and b is the offset
- In BioCapture, right click on the channel you wish to set the gain and offset to. Click "Signal Properties." Enter the values and click "OK." You have calibrated the hand dynamometer signal.