title: A standard method of shoulder strength measurement for the Constant score with a spring balance.
abstract: The strength component of the Constant score has been criticized for its lack of a precisely defined measurement method. A series of experiments was performed to compare three different methods in normal and pathologic shoulders with the use of a standard test position. These were (1) the Isobex isometric dynamometer, (2) Constant's unsecured spring balance, and (3) a new modification in which the spring balance is fixed at one end and the reading is taken after 5 seconds of maximum effort. The results suggest that this simple modification with a low-cost spring balance can give similar values to those from the Isobex. The need for precision of terms and a definition of the method is discussed, and recommendations for the standardization of the many variables in making this measurement are made.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bankes
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Crossman
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Emery
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology