1999 Volume 36 Issue 4 Pages 237-239
The purpose of this study was to determine the normal values for the measurement sum of several maximal isometric strength using a manual myometer and to assess the clinical usefulness of this method. A sample of 120 healthy persons aged 20 to 79 years was tested. Measurements of three muscle strength (neck flexion, abduction of the upper extremity, and straight leg raising) were performed at the supine position, and the normal range of the measurement sum was calculated after stratification by age and sex. We also tested some myopathy and neuropathy patients. The measurement sum reflected the clinical condition and laboratory data of these patients. The main advantage of the manual myometer was that muscle strength could be measured simply. As we reported before, this method can be reliable if the measurement technique is standardized. We consider that the sum of these three muscle strength measurements using a manual myometer is useful in the clinical evaluation of myopathy and neuropathy patients.
