Myotonometer intra- and interrater reliabilities.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the intra- and interrater reliabilities of the Myotonometer, a hand-held, computerized, electronic device that quantifies muscle stiffness (tone/compliance).


METHODS
Reliability study.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
Thirty-five healthy, nondisabled adults (age range, 22-42 y).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Two raters used the Myotonometer to evaluate subjects' lateral gastrocnemius and biceps brachii muscles. Muscles were measured in a relaxed state and during a voluntary isometric contraction. Coefficients were calculated for each muscle and each condition (relaxed, contracted). Results were analyzed by using Design II intraclass correlation coefficients.


RESULTS
Reliability coefficients were highest when the instrument exerted moderate to strong forces against the muscle (range, 0.50-2.00 kg; intrarater reliability R range, .84 - .99; interrater reliability R range, .75 - .96).


CONCLUSIONS
Myotonometer measurements had high to very high intra- and interrater reliabilities for measurements of the lateral gastrocnemius and biceps brachii muscles.
Leonard
Charles T
CT
Motor Control Research Laboratory, Physical Therapy Department, University of Montana, Missoula, 59812, USA. Leonard@selway.umt.edu
Deshner
William P
WP
Romo
James W
JW
Suoja
Eric S
ES
Fehrer
Steven C
SC
Mikhailenok
Eugene L
EL
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry / Q000592:standards*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results