Article

OBJECTIVE: To establish normative clinical data for upper extremity strength of
men and women, ages 20-64 years, using a portable clinical device, the Nicholas
Manual Muscle Tester (NMMT).
The study collected objective upper
extremity strength data for 180 healthy men and women using the NMMT.
The study was conducted in outpatient and community settings. SUBJECTS: One
hundred eighty normal volunteers (90 men and 90 women).
METHODS: Eleven upper
extremity muscle groups were tested using standardized methodology. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASUREMENTS: Data were recorded for each muscle group in each subject. RESULTS:
This study presents data from 180 healthy, normal subjects, equally divided by
gender and age. Means +/- standard deviations were determined for each group and
further categorized by age, gender, and hand dominance. These data confirm some
expected patterns: In all the muscle groups men have significantly higher
strength than women, and the dominant side is stronger than the nondominant side
in men and women. Relative values for various muscle groups are analyzed and
presented. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an initial normative database across
a wide age range in men and women for upper extremity strength for monitoring
clinical care and research for injured and impaired patients. These data are an
essential and initial step toward comprehensive normative databases for upper
extremity objective ordinal strength measurements with the NMMT.
CI - Published by Elsevier Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS