Handheld Dynamometry Agrees With One-Repetition Maximum Testing With Cuff Weights for Knee Extension, Hip Abduction, and Hip Extension in Older Adults

This study compared handheld dynamometry (HHD) at the weakest point of the strength curve for hip extensors, hip abductors, and knee extensors in older adults and one-repetition maximum (1RM) of that same muscle groups with cuff weights. Fifty participants (62-94 years) were tested. Paired t tests indicated no significant differences between the 2 measures. Reliability testing for absolute agreement between 1RM and HHD yielded intraclass correlations of good to excellent. This demonstrates HHD at or near the weakest point of a muscle group provides an accurate measure of older individual’s 1RM for knee extension, hip extension, and hip abduction.