Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (01165A)

Designed for objectively quantifying muscle strength, the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (01165A) provides an accurate and valid assessment tool for clinicians to monitor the limb strength of their patients. Excellent for use during rehabilitation, or as part of a strength training programme, users are able to document and track strength progress thanks to this comprehensive hand-held dynamometer.

What's Included?

The Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer is supplied with everything needed to perform manual muscle testing. This includes:

• 1 x Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer unit 01165A (including rechargeable lithium-ion battery)
• 3 x  Molded Plastic Stirrups with Pads
• 1 x Algometer attachment
• 1 x Battery Charger
• 1 x Pack of Sanitary covers
• 1 x Carrying Case
• 1 x User Guide

Key Features

• Provides reliable and accurate readings of limb strength
• Supplied with three easy to change moulded plastic stirrups with pads
• Different pads allow for accurate readings of different limbs
• Measures:
  • Peak force
  • Time to reach peak force
  • Total test time
  • Average force
  • Real-time force
  • End force
  • Average force peak to end
  • Percentage decrease from peak force to end force
• Force measurements in pounds, kilograms, kilopascals (kPa), or Newtons (all user selectable)
  • (kPa can only be measured with new algometer attachment)
• Selectable test time from 1-10 seconds
• Simple, ergonomic design fits easily into the palm of your hand
• Advanced menus to store testing setups
• Automatic storage of data with storage for up to 250 tests in device memory
• High-contrast LCD display is clear and easy to read
• Tone to indicate start, stop, or metronome
• Functions controlled via a microprocessor
• Built-in stored data browsing capability
• Automatic shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity
• Battery indicator on LCD display
• Interactive menus allowing users to select device options
• Battery powered with 1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery

How is Strength Testing Performed?

To test a patient's strength using this device, the clinician must apply force to the limb of the patient. The test is performed as the clinician applies escalating force to the limb until the patient's resistance meets its 'break' point. At this point, the Hand-Held Dynamometer records the peak force and time required to reaching the 'break' point, resulting in a reliable and accurate strength reading.

Which Measurements Can This Device Take?

This Manual Muscle Tester system is equipped with the capability to obtain a number of different measurements to provide a full picture of patient limb strength. All readings can be provided in pounds, kilograms, kilopascals (kPa), Newtons. These different measurements are:

• Peak force
• Time to reach peak force
• Total test time
• Average force
• Real-time force
• End force
• Average force peak to end
• Percentage decrease from peak force to end force

How Are the Results Viewed?

The results can be instantly viewed using the clear LCD screen of the dynamometer. Alternatively, check out the Lafayetter Hand-Held Dynamometer Kit with DynoData which includes the dynamometer device as well as a tablet that comes with a pre-installed DynoData app to view and record results in real time, download data, and more.

You may also wish to check out the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer with HHD Utility Software which allows you to view, download, export results, and more, via a Windows PC (no tablet included).

What Are the Applications of Dynamometry?

Dynamometry is a crucial aspect of medical diagnostics, as limb strength can be a key identifier of overall physical function. For example, this study by H.J. Martin et al. finds that hand-held dynamometers can be useful in ranking the muscle strength of older people in epidemiological studies.

What Are the Stirrups Used For?

This device is supplied with three moulded plastic stirrups with pads, each allowing for comfortable evaluations of strength for different limbs. The pads are pressed against the different limbs of the patient, providing a soft surface to allow for significant force without injury or discomfort. The three stirrups are displayed in the image below:

What is the Additional Algometer Attachment?

The Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (01165A) comes with an additional algometer attachment. The user may measure using kPa with the new algometer attachment.

How Many Measurements Can This Device Take?

The Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer is capable of automatically storing 250 tests at a time on the on-board memory. This allows for testing of multiple patients, and comparisons of test results over time.

Which Settings are Customisable?

This muscle testing device features a range of customisable options allowing for tests to be tailored to your desired applications and patients. Customisable options such as data storage, force over time graphs, preset test times and force thresholds can be implemented, making the device versatile enough for a number of strength testing applications.

How Can I Ensure the Most Accurate Readings?

Though this device products accurate readings, human error can be introduced if the tester has to hold the unit steady while the patient presses on it. To eliminate this problem, a Support Stand is available that will steady the device to ensure maximum intratester and intertester reliability. Use of this stand has also been shown to produce a greater maximum effort from the patient during testing.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

On a full charge, this device will last for an estimated 12 hours of operation. Once the low battery indicator first appears, roughly 30 minutes of operation remains. To conserve battery, the device will automatically shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity.

How Long Does it Take to Charge?

This device uses a Lithium-ion battery as a power source, taking 1 hour to charge to 80%, and about 3 hours to charge fully. A low battery indicator will appear on screen when the battery requires charging, and it is recommended at least one full charge is carried out every 6 months to avoid damage or malfunction. Upon initial receipt of the unit, a full 3 hour charge is recommended.

Can This Device Measure Torque Values?

Torque measurements are often necessary in research and rehabilitation applications, as they can be a more accurate indication of total strength because they take into account the length of the tested limb. Results from this manual muscle testing device can be used to obtain torque values through a series of basic calculations. These calculations are as follows:

Equation for Obtaining Torque Using Metric Values

• Torque = Force x Distance (where Force equals the device's reading converted to Newtons and distance is the length between where the force is applied and the joint being tested in meters)

How is the Lafayette Dynamometer Operated?

All functions of this device can be easily operated using the five buttons, located on the top and bottom of the dynamometer.

User Instruction Manual

Please find the user manual for the Hand-Held Dynamometer (01165A) by clicking the PDF link below.

User Instruction Manual

Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer Specifications

• Size (WxLxD): 8.03 x 12.98 x 4.1cm
• Weight: 312g
• Range: 0 - 136.1kg (0 - 1335N), (0 - 300lbs) 9999 kPa
• Accuracy: ± 1% over full scale or ± 0.2lbs
• Resolution: 0.1kg/0.1lbs/0.1N (0 - 999.9N) / 1N (1000N - 1335N)
• Battery Life: 12 Hours powered on, 30 minutes after low battery condition
• Charge Time: 80% Charge = > 1 hour / Full charge = > 3 hours
• Data Storage Capacity: 250 tests
• Preset Test Length: 0.5 - 10 seconds; in 0.1 second increments
• 25 ms sample rate